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1/08

1/2/08
Restaurants must recycle, new law says
Competing road studies likely for N.C. 107
An engineer’s take on N.C. 107
State says foul on school bond referendum support
Rapp tries to round up support for slope development bill
What the bill calls for
441 corridor planning teaches students about smart growth
Cowee group fights to keep school community-owned
2008 will be telling year for Cataloochee resort
Remember – every year is a new year
What? Me read?
A few notes on 2007
Recommended diversions
A tough farming year
The Naturalist's Corner
Cherokee and their bird stories

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1/9/08
Commissioners take a more aggressive stance in Dillsboro dam fight
Lack of due diligence cited as reason for dam removal protests
An account of Haywood County
Haywood fields to get artificial turf
Winter tourism up in WNC
Change is on the way for Howell Mill Road
Sylva manager resigns, but new job is in limbo
Recycling requirement passes costs on to rightful party
A big bowl of politics and football
Jackson students need a balanced education
Southern Comfort Food
‘Rainbows’ plays as Radiohead should
Recommended diversions
At the helm
Day hikes along the Mountains-to-Sea Trail
Big as a mountain
Parkway rangers work to save hemlocks
In living colour

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1/16/08
The state of mental health care
Denton waits for green light on EDC job
Remembering a great leader
Community events to highlight King’s contributions
Swain’s inaugural Dr. Martin Luther King Holiday Celebration
TDA chair says pot charge no problem
Residents hear about alternatives for Southern Loop
Qualla residents given opportunity to voice concerns over 441 corridor
Last challenge to Duke worth a try
Turn and face the change
Next president has a big hole to dig us out of
Stay out of my space with the cell phone
All that brass
Shine on you crazy Miners
Recommended diversions
Another mystery mines our fascination with the past
Watershed represents diverse ecosystems
Park’s brookie population withstands drought well
Global warming however, threatens the brook trout
Sneaky snipe stamps scouts

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1/23/08
The search for solutions
Familiar face, new challenges
Sales tax may be answer to HCC’s $70 million needs
The growing issue of elder abuse in WNC
HRMC’s Rice appointed to statewide position
Youth get a hands-on look at planning their future
Coal, energy needs at center of first lieutenant governor debate
Long-term fix must be found for state’s mental health care woes
Is it unpatriotic to save the rebate?
Taking it to the street
A rowdy good time at some familiar stomping grounds
Recommended diversions
Evolution In a Nutshell — the book
Go west yon hiker
The Naturalist's Corner
It’s a dog’s life

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1/30/08
Clean water for Racking Cove
More than 150 attend Swain’s historic first MLK celebration
Macon votes to build transfer station
Tourism figures up significantly in Haywood
Sylva rescinds resignation vote, re-hires Denton
North Shore Road proponents fear wilderness designation
Public weighs in on future of U.S. 441
Sales tax is most palatable way to meet HCC’s needs
Oh, the glorious memory of boredom
Tis the season of politics and lies
Fundamental issues are ignored in immigration debate
Peace in the valley
Jim and Rhonda do it different
Recommended diversions
The peril of complacency
Preserving tradition
The Naturalist's Corner
Reward offered in Parkway bear killing
Trout hatcheries scramble to adjust to drought
Right in the thick of it

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2/08

2/6/08
Living with a green state of mind
Ordinance changes could lift floodplain development ban
Business owners and their trash
Mountain roads cited as among the state’s most dangerous
Swain chooses negotiators for North Shore settlement
Counties need full-time economic development director
This rodent won’t make it to the White House
Letter writers take me to task twice in one week
North Shore area won’t be designated a wilderness
Music to their ears
Bluegrass’ contemporary class
Recommended diversions
Life chronicles
The Chattooga compromise
Wings of winter
Garden questions
Dr. Elisha Mitchell

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2/13/08
The shadowy world of Internet predators
Franklin leaders mull downtown options
Development regs at issue in Jackson election
As Cowan ponders whether to run, a rematch in the making
Room tax plan would split Macon into three districts
Franklin adopts new rules for floodplain construction
Sylva wants to diversify Pinnacle Park usage
Forest Service should let boaters on the Chattooga
The greening of America
Too close to call
Reverend C. T. Vivian sheds light on roots of Civil Rights movement
The Plott Hound
Gems from the used bin
Recommended diversions
Poetry dying for readers
Watch where you wade
My bags are packed
A long time coming
A paddler, a fisherman and a hiker go into this bar...
Upper world guardians

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2/20/08
WCU enjoys a surge in popularity
Is feeding the hungry bad for business?
Researchers use interviews to develop preservation tools
Jackson EDC gets green light for executive director search
Swain's drug problem worries officials
Macon group vows to fight proposed school consolidation
Development rules will get test in commissioner race
Mental health crisis will need enlightened leadership
In winter, the joy of gardening is the beauty of a blank slate
The innate traits of the male species
Valentine's Day, often, is about survival
Resisting the prospect of extinction
Painting over Bureaucracy
This one's for Rob
Recommended diversions
Rash's Chemistry "notable"
State forest users protests proposed bear hunt
The Naturalist's Corner
A favorite plant
Grand plans in store for Cherokee trout hatchery
Highlands plateau still a world of green hills

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2/27/08
Fallout from funding crisis still unfolding
Brewing crisis at HRMC concealed
Rice resigns, cites need to move forward
Many say Medicare action too heavy-handed
Board surprised by HRMC situation
Westcare prepares for patient load
Timeline of a crisis
Issues flare up at Jackson Green Energy Park
HRMC's survival vital to Haywood
Signs that we are growing up
Tuning in once again
Saddle up for song and dance
Henderson pours some hot sauce on it
Recommended diversions
Close encounters
Camping to return at Needmore
The Naturalist's Corner
Alum Cave for a breath of fresh air

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3/08

3/5/08
The changing face of Cherokee
Bryson City adopts first land use plan
Nurses at HRMC caught in downward spiral
Situation changes daily at medical facility
Haywood doctors open for business
Outpouring of support for HRMC
Haywood hospital begins recertification process
Drakes to build 1,500-seat auditorium in Franklin
Forgive yes, but first a look at HRMC’s recent past
The politics of python invasions
Green Energy Park is not dangerous
Stage presence
In the studio...
Recommended diversions
Taking back America for Christianity
Finding homes for wind towers
Hikers to forest service: pick wind sites carefully
The Naturalist's Corner
An early account of Western NC

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3/12/08
Can HRMC go it alone?
Economic impact of hospital crisis far-reaching
Power and control at the top blamed for hospital crisis
Freeman replacement raised red flags almost a year ago
Lengthy merger process leaves no time to waste
Hiking, horse riding considered for Pinnacle Park
Greenwood moves from Macon post to Franklin town manager
HRMC merger would take time, so process should be started now
It is time for a reckoning
Raising chickens and giving a finger to the poultry industry
A Cappella Fellas
McPartland comes out swinging
Recommended diversions
Oh for the love of grief
Tried and true training
The Naturalist's Corner
Get more from your garden
LTLT gets help saving old general store
An 1877 look at WNC

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3/19/08
A long road traveled
Hospital Foundation pledges to protect donors funds
Hospital board primer
Talk of hospital merger nothing more than a saftey net
HRMC board violates bylaws by extending chairman’s term
Will patients return before money runs out?
Wrestling over what’s public, what’s not
New hospital board chairman pledges to learn from mistakes
County proceeding with dam takeover attempt
Citizen group to lobby for land-use regulations in Haywood
Proposed golf course raises concerns
Input still needed on Jackson roads
HRMC is a public hospital, but hasn’t acted like one
For parents, some things are forever
Coming to terms with my night-time poet
Heaven is a brown piece of grease
Layered Landscapes
Jeff Healey’s hard-hitting swan song
Recommended diversions
Adults not so grown up
King’s dialogue stiffens, but horror and suspense remain
A fix for Graveyard Fields
The Naturalist's Corner
A climb up Grandfather

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3/26/08
Can vaunted land-use plan pass the test?
Long wait times, drives for Haywood patients
HRMC board to hold another vote for chairman
HRMC merger could jeopardize retirement plans
Supporters say liquor vote is about economics
Tuck residents get help in quarry fight
Police probe missing Pisgah booster money
Sylva leaders mull occupancy tax
First meeting to negotiate new North Shore Road contract held
SMN owners acquire Smoky Mountain Living magazine
Buying local helps preserve farmlands
Open atmosphere a must at HRMC
The passing of our own renaissance man
Bat Boy found in Waynesville!
Jazz Icons series sets its sights on one of the genre’s finest guitarists
Jonathan Williams: 1929-2008
Recommended diversions
Lives lived for Chimpanzees
An eagle lands at Balsam Trust
The Naturalist's Corner
Love your dirt
Scary cat stories from WNC’s past

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4/08

4/2/08
Ahead of the class
HRMC administrator Lipham resigns
HRMC awaits re-inspection
HRMC’s CEO search begins
Court dismisses REACH suit, appeal expected
Hospital seriously examining finances
Sylva Board split over downtown funding
Former Cherokee newspaper editor sues tribe over dismissal
Planner hopes subdivision plan passes muster
Swain subdivision proposal not going anywhere
No good reasons to keep mixed drinks out of Waynesville
For the love of basketball and special people
Wind power can help solve energy problems
The writer inside
A little love and Lux
Fresh blues from the mountains
Recommended diversions
Casualties of war
Lehane creates memorable scenes, riveting characters
NOC qualifier part-contest, part-homecoming for world’s best paddlers
The Naturalist's Corner
Intensive gardening
Groups challenge Duke’s permits for coal plant
Uktenas — chieftains of serpents

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4/9/08
Help for the suffering
Exemption decision sparks debate
Six Democrats vie for two seats
Macon commission race ramps up
Jackson commission seats attract contenders
Sylva board ok’s DSA contribution increase
Sylva board, foundation set Pinnacle Park plan of action
Sustainability Expo draws enthusiastic crowd to HCC
Random poll shows support for HCC, questions about tax
Ghost Town founder R.B. Coburn dies
Early college a great way to help students
The meat man comes knocking
Missing the shopping gene
In his own words
Rocking along a familiar path
Recommended diversions
Mister Pip — A dickens of a novel
Multi-use, multi-challenges
The untamed trails of Panthertown
The Naturalist's Corner
New cartography brings Waynesville’s skyline to life
Bear hunting in DuPont State Forest on again, off again
Adventure of the Week
Keeping warm in the woods
Athlete profile
A neglected classic

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4/16/08
Mayor won’t back down to Best Buy developers
Haywood candidates tiptoe toward development discussion
Haire faces competition for N.C. House seat
Where they stand
Race between Mumpower, Campbell and Armor heats up
Revaluation leads to appeals
DOT nixes portion of Southern Loop, for now
HRMC running out of time to keep hospital afloat
The moment of truth
The public speaks out on development
DOT signals fresh look at Southern Loop
An outdoorsman takes the plunge
Why I support Obama
The Michelangelo of Maggie Valley
Traditional bluegrass and beyond
Recommended diversions
Fine writing and fine ranting
Gay’s Southern Gothic glows in Twilight
Tote your own bag
The Naturalist's Corner
After a bad run, Waynesville streams getting safer
Can you have perfection
Adventure of the Week
OUTSIDE the box
One morel time

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4/23/08
Waynesville to consider alterations to award-winning land-use plan
Verdict still out on Haywood’s slope ordinance
Balancing promotion and preservation
Jackson’s District 4 race to be decided May 6
Commissioners begin lengthy hospital board vetting process
Commissioners pose tough questions to hospital board applicants
HRMC passes inspection
Governor race gains steam as primary approaches
The road to Raleigh
Jackson, BMP reach settlement
Sales tax for HCC will provide long overdue help
Sanderson will leave a void at Central Elementary
Muse shines in their natural element
Recommended diversions
Fascism left, right and center
Rough and ready
Trilliums get the nod
Crack down on galax poachers ends with jail time
Athlete PROFILE
Adventure of the Week
OUTSIDE the box
A couple cute rodents

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4/30/08
Jackson starts U.S. 441 planning process
Environmental assessment marks beginning of Hwy. 107 master plan
Macon Republicans seek board seats
Seasoned candidates squaring off
Growth, development drive Jackson commissioners race
Haywood candidates vie for two open seats
Record registration reported leading up to primary
Buy Haywood project expands reach
Hillary Clinton makes WNC appearance
During election season, growth issues loom large
If it’s important, it’s probably being ignored
Brought to you by DOT: Anywhere, America
A slice of heaven
Trischka pushes the banjo envelope
Recommended diversions
Carpe Independents Day
Straight from the horse’s mouth
Regulations on the Horsepasture River
The Naturalist's Corner
OUTSIDE the box
An affair to remember
Adventure of the Week
Listen for the bird’s meow

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5/08

5/7/08
Supporters rally for test farm
Haire easily defeats Friedman for 119th N.C. House seat
Swanger, Enloe win in Haywood
Jones retains seat in Jackson’s Cashiers district
Pro-planning Cowan re-elected
Goodman edges out Leatherman in Macon
Voters pass sales tax for HCC
Waynesville gets liquor by the drink
Alderman criticizes Sylva slope proposal
FERC again says no to Dillsboro dam bid
A Tug of War
WCU charette takes aim at hot development topics
Courthouse contractors fired after delays
WNC Democrats flock to polls, turnout huge
Macon proposal gives break to families who divide land
Testimony links Haywood County sheriff to illegal video poker money
HRMC board expansion means a new majority
Hospital to form community relations board
Sacrifice and good sense amid the misery of high oil prices
You’re gonna miss them, I know it
All that glitters
Ability beyond her years
Recommended diversions
Poems, poets, poetry
The dawning of the Mud Meter
The making of the mud meter
The Naturalist's Corner
OUTSIDE the box
Athlete PROFILE
Adventure of the Week
Survey condemns plans for coal-fired power plant
Maggie Moonlight race canceled — for now
Ruffed grouse lovers join forces to form local chapter
How we can co-exist with black bears
Kinglets come and kinglets go

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5/14/08
Guns and green spaces
Jackson considers ordinance to preserve farmland
Nikwasi Mound now on Heritage Trails list
Last year’s BMP dam break leads to $10,000 state fine
Records subpoenaed from Haywood sheriff
Illegal video poker a lucrative, shadowy world in WNC
Jackson wants new method of property valuation
HCC grads a testament to diversity, adversity
HRMC employee hours cut
Development concerns Tuckasegee Community
Saving this farm could help save many more
My skeletons are in the hamper
In defense of the Horsepasture re-classification
Colors for the Gray
Women and War
Keeping it relevant
Recommended diversions
Swan Pond: A story of place
Hall provides yet another thorn(y) predicament
Whitewater Park in Nantahala Gorge?
Don't feed the lawn
The Naturalist's Corner
Adventure of the week
OUTSIDE the box
A voice of the mountains

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5/21/08
Just Saying No
Legislators have busy schedule for short session
Hospital board votes to stagger expansion
Orthopedist to leave Haywood
Inspectors arrive at hospital for second round of inspections
Agencies oppose new golf course dam at BMP
NC’s community colleges bar illegal immigrants
Keep loaded guns out of national parks
The true meaning of sacrifice
Citizens have powerful tools to stop sedimentation pollution
Whitewater park is just one element of U.S. 19 tourism study
Where history has a home
Bonitz selected for Waynesville art project
Lidell makes a grand entrance
Recommended diversions
Interviews & conversations
A modern day medicine woman
The Naturalist's Corner
Athlete PROFILE
Looking for bob

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5/28/08
Making the Mountain Landscapes Initiative a reality
Bill sets up fund for North Shore Road money
Best Buy won’t follow Waynesville land-use plan
Jackson teacher fired for refusing to give tests
At long last, Oconoluftee Jobs Corps opening may be near
Macon County’s subdivision ordinance put to the test
HRMC recertified after passing second inspection
Test-crazed politicians are doing real damage to our public schools
Gardens crop up as economy sours
Memorial Day always finds tourism industry on edge
A flood of memories
Landreth’s latest pulls in the stars
Recommended diversions
A guide for the literary traveller
Critics question motives in forest road upgrade
The Naturalist's Corner
Fires Creek development draws fire
Made for the shade
OUTSIDE the box
Yucca and its own moth

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6/08

6/4/08
Breathing new life into the Nantahala Gorge
Tax rate lowered in Sylva, but projects fall by wayside
Fisher Creek money to pay for first projects
Sylva leaders irked by error in footbridge estimate
Expansion, relocation studied for farmer’s market
Macon adopts subdivision ordinance
HRMC puts itself in position to survive, thrive
Time for my annual reality checkup
Citizens, leaders partner on planning initiative
Predators often come dressed as sheep dogs
A style all its own
Saving your furniture
Costa’s classic pop songcraft
Recommended diversions
A look at the leathernecks
Elk ivory: teeth or tusks?
Naturalist's Corner
Tellico off-road enthusiasts protest ban
OUTSIDE the box
Fascinating vines

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6/11/08
The best summer jobs
Drawings for new Sylva library elicit praise
Alcohol sting tactics irk Sylva restaurant owners
Sylva passes revenue neutral budget
Wait times a sore spot as too few docs staff ER
HRMC struggles to fill critical hospitalist slots
Nantahala Gorge searches for a fix
Enjoy the moment, because life moves on – fast
A Father’s Day gift that won’t gather dust
Where will we all go?
Waterworks
Meandering towards perfection
Recommended diversions
Saving the lady
The Naturalist's Corner
Mysterious microclimates
Cultivating leadership skills in the garden
Stricter controls likely for Cliffside coal plant
OUTSIDE the box
Buckley’s mountain

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6/18/08
Non-profits feel the pinch as more struggle to get by
Businesses look for ways to weather recession
Training cops to handle mental health patients
Jackson begins saving for building projects
Commissioner’s closed session taping challenged
SCC copes with rapid Macon growth
Downtown Sylva Association begins search for new director
Conservation trust fund created
HRMC recertification unsure for a short time last week
Library debate resolved beautifully
Russert was a shining light in a sea of mediocrity
The trials of Bodine include getting a bum rap
Another bad mental health care decision
Rock the bells
Pop with a dose of honesty
Recommended diversions
Intrigue in Cherokee
The outside on paper
Rough Creek
The Naturalist's Corner
Friends of the Smokies gala includes ‘State of Park’ report
Parkway just got bigger
Outside the box
Little green fishermen

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6/25/08
Swain’s jackpot
A Q&A on Swain’s cash settlement
Road supporters make their stand
Jonathan Creek land still tied up
Back-and-forth over sting tactics continues
Sylva Police drop charges against Heinzelmannchen
New film brings Haywood County to life
Numerous violations uncovered in Swain’s closed sessions
Time for personal charity, government leadership
Let’s just admit it — we need change
Waste vegetable oil wanted for school bus fuel
The Beauty of Change
Making a living workin’ the blues
Franklin author turns heads with Turnback Creek
Plans to fix Tellico
The Naturalist's Corner
Gardening in a drought
OUTSIDE the box
Ghostly adaptations

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