Teams embark on the search for lost hiker Susan Clements in October 2018. As chief ranger, Hendy will lead such operations in the future, among other duties. NPS photo
 

‘Leader of leaders’: New Smokies chief ranger brings impressive career to America’s most visited park

After decades roving the backcountry of some of the largest parks in the Western United States, Lisa Hendy is returning…
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Undeterred by the shutdown, Smokies visitors stop for photos at Newfound Gap. Holly Kays photo
 

National Park visits up despite shutdown

Despite a government shutdown that lasted most of the month, visitation in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was markedly…
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The Lake Junaluska eagles swapping place on the nest. Jeff Gresko photo
 

The Naturalist's Corner: Bated breath

I am sure I’m not the only one hoping the Lake Junaluska eagles are successful this nesting season. It seems,…
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Frank Stasio at the WUNC studios. Ben McKeown photo
 

Bringing the word to the people: Frank Stasio of ‘The State of Things’

In terms of journalism and media in North Carolina, very few names are as recognizable as that of Frank Stasio.…
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Warren Haynes.
 

This must be the place: Haynes conjures rock spirit through symphony

Arguably the hardest working man in rock-n-roll, guitar legend Warren Haynes has never been one to shy away from testing…
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Jennie Churchill was anything but a prude
 

Jennie Churchill was anything but a prude

Mrs. Patrick Campbell, famed Victorian actress, was renowned for her sharp wit. On hearing about a sexual relationship between two…
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Youth ministry sees success, growth
 

Youth ministry sees success, growth

It’s official: Increased numbers of middle and high school students are choosing to experience personal and spiritual renewal at Lake…
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WOW will welcome new members
 

WOW will welcome new members

Women of Waynesville, a nonprofit organization that supports the needs of women and children in Haywood County, invites all interested…
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Complex child welfare cases costing counties
 

Complex child welfare cases costing counties

Substance abuse has had a number of unintended consequences on society from mental illness, unemployment, overcrowded jails, a backlogged court…
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Irene Smathers (above) and her husband David left a substantial gift that will benefit Haywood County long into the future. Wells Funeral Home photo
 

Large donations will benefit Haywood students, residents

A substantial and somewhat surprising gift by two Haywood County natives has the potential to contribute to the community for…
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Canton gears up for budget talks
 

Canton gears up for budget talks

Although it wasn’t a formal budget retreat, leaders in the Town of Canton met last week to begin identifying budget…
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Consolidation reversal likely in Jackson
 

Consolidation reversal likely in Jackson

The Jackson County Board of Commissioners will likely hold yet another vote on potential changes to its health and human…
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Chris Slagle of Maggie Valley is trying to care for five children after a friend of his ended up incarcerated for a series of theft and fraud charges in multiple states. Jessi Stone photo
 

Unexpected father of five looks for help

When Chris Slagle’s partner of 26 years died unexpectedly four years ago, he bought a fixer-upper house in Maggie Valley…
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TWSA Executive Director Dan Harbaugh (standing) updates Jackson County Commissioners on research into the potential for a Cashiers water system. Holly Kays photo
 

Water system possible for Cashiers

As the Tuckaseigee Water and Sewer Authority prepares for a $9.5 million sewer expansion project in Cashiers, another big change…
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Cherokee election filing continues
 

Cherokee election filing continues

With the deadline to register getting nearer, the list of people running for tribal office in this year’s elections is…
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WCU trustees approve chancellor candidates
 

WCU trustees approve chancellor candidates

The second go-around in the search for the next chancellor of Western Carolina University is nearing completion with the Board…
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An illustration shows the size, shape and scale of wayfinding signs that will one day — maybe soon — dot Haywood County. Cory Vaillancourt photo
 

Wayfaring strangers lack wayfinding signage

In the ever more competitive battle to lure motoring tourists to Haywood County — and to keep them in the…
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Maggie Valley’s financial position strong
 

Maggie Valley’s financial position strong

Municipal budget season is well underway, and in at least one Haywood County town, the discussion isn’t about rising costs…
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Sylva resident Kelly Brown is one of many people of color upset by Rep. Mark Meadows’ recent actions before a House committee. Cory Vaillancourt photo
 

Constituents of color: Meadows defense of Trump angers many

Michael Cohen’s recent testimony to the House Oversight and Reform Committee took an unexpected dive deep into America’s racial divide,…
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Trump signs Land and Water Conservation Fund reauthorization
 

Trump signs Land and Water Conservation Fund reauthorization

The Land and Water Conservation Fund was permanently reauthorized today following President Donald Trump’s signature on a law that received…
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Kurt Pusch
 

New director hired at Summit Charter

Summit Charter School in Cashiers has chosen a new director to take over from interim director Billy Leonard, who has…
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Lane closed on U.S. 441 South
 

Lane closed on U.S. 441 South

One lane of U.S. 441 South has been closed between Sylva and Franklin out of precaution due to a recurring…
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Pilgrimage to Montgomery
 

Pilgrimage to Montgomery

Haywood County NAACP is making a pilgrimage to Montgomery to see the new Legacy Museum: Enslavement to Mass Incarceration and…
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Election season begins in Cherokee
 

Election season begins in Cherokee

With nearly than a week left to go in the filing period for this year’s tribal elections, five people have…
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Community stewardship awards given
 

Community stewardship awards given

Everyone wants to live in a beautiful and litter-free place, and six winners were recognized for their efforts to that…
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The Cullowhee Dam, built in 1930, straddles the Tuckaseigee River. Donated photo
 

Dam removal possible for Cullowhee: Draft report gives optimistic findings, but questions remain

A recently released draft report bodes well for the possibility of removing the dilapidated Cullowhee Dam without compromising the water…
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Congress votes to reauthorize Conservation Fund
 

Congress votes to reauthorize Conservation Fund

Congress voted to permanently reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund following a 363-62 vote of the U.S. House of…
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Birch catkins. Donated photo
 

Birch stills were more common than moonshine stills

Editor’s note: This was first published in 2003. All this spring, golden birch catkins were dangling throughout the woodlands of…
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My church embraces LGBTQ members
 

My church embraces LGBTQ members

By Nina Dove • Guest Columnist When I walked into a Reconciling Ministries meeting at my church (First United Methodist Church…
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An aging Walter still rules the roost
 

An aging Walter still rules the roost

When Walter comes trundling down the driveway, he always reminds me of what a camera tripod might look like if…
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Medicaid expansion needed in N.C.
 

Medicaid expansion needed in N.C.

To the Editor: North Carolina is one of 14 states that has chosen not to expand Medicaid, which provides health…
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Something to believe in: A conversation with Citizen Cope
 

Something to believe in: A conversation with Citizen Cope

Since he first burst out on the music scene with his debut album in 2002, soul/rock singer-songwriter Citizen Cope has…
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Meadows’ action is unconscionable
 

Meadows’ action is unconscionable

To the Editor: Unbelievable that Rep. Mark Meadows (R-Brevard) chose to use a black female HUD employee as a token,…
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We must do better, for our children
 

We must do better, for our children

To the Editor: Like Andrew Morgan (see Mountaineer, Feb. 25, Guest Columnist), I too am alarmed by the rhetoric from…
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A book for those who love books
 

A book for those who love books

Yes! Yes! YES! YES! Lest you think I am wallowing in some bed of literoticism or celebrating Molly Bloom from…
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The right path: Beloved Woman Ella Bird reflects on life marked by family, tradition
 

The right path: Beloved Woman Ella Bird reflects on life marked by family, tradition

For the past 79 years, Ella Wachacha Bird has lived a life defined by seasons and relationships rather than months…
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Committee works to establish guidelines for Beloved titles
 

Committee works to establish guidelines for Beloved titles

Traditionally, the title of Beloved Man or Beloved Woman was reserved for Cherokee people who had proven themselves valiant warriors…
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Funding available for Macon nonprofits
 

Funding available for Macon nonprofits

Macon County nonprofit organizations have until March 29 to apply for county funds allocated in the county’s current fiscal year…
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Overdose prevention training offered
 

Overdose prevention training offered

The North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition (NCHRC) is a statewide grassroots organization dedicated to implementing harm reduction interventions, public health…
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Cashiers starts leadership program
 

Cashiers starts leadership program

The inaugural Leadership Cashiers class recently launched its seven-month program with an opening retreat at Mountaintop Golf & Lake Club.…
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Swain County finally received the final $32.8 million payment from the federal government for the North Shore settlement.
 

Trying to get most out of North Shore funds

Now that Swain County has finally received the entire $52 million from the federal government for the North Shore Road…
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Every county in Western North Carolina has at least one opportunity zone. N.C. Department of Commerce photo
 

‘Opportunity zone’ could bring business to poor areas

When President Donald Trump signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act into law on Dec. 22, 2017, proponents hailed it…
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Vandals broke into the Pigeon Community Multicultural Development Center on Feb. 25 and destroyed at least $2,500 worth of food. Donated photo
 

Pigeon Center vandalized by intruders

A broken window, classrooms in shambles, irreplaceable items destroyed, kitchen coolers left open and perishable food thrown all over the…
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Skaters engage in some light horseplay at Maggie on Ice. Holly Kays photo
 

‘Maggie on Ice’ falls flat

What was hoped to be a slick new attraction designed to bring more visitors to Maggie Valley during wintertime has…
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Franklin Town Council is considering deeding the Nikwasi Mound over to the nonprofit Nikwasi Initiative. File photo
 

Nikwasi Initiative wants deed to Cherokee mound

In a historic decision, the town of Franklin voted Monday to move forward with the process of deeding the Nikwasi…
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Haywood County bond rating inches up
 

Haywood County bond rating inches up

Thanks to the hard work and prudent fiscal decision making of both elected officials and administration, Haywood County’s been rewarded…
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Quashing the uproar over Waynesville’s Green Hill Cemetery is a top priority for the town this year. Cory Vaillancourt photo
 

Ten years gone: Waynesville board weighs progress, prospects

On Friday, Jan. 29 at the Lake Logan Conference Center, Waynesville Mayor Gavin Brown convened a board retreat where he…
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Michael Cleveland & Flame Keeper will kick-off the ‘An Appalachian Evening’ concert series on June 29.
 

Over the hills and far away: Music, heritage comes alive at Stecoah Valley Center

Way out in Graham County, high up in the rugged wilderness of the Nantahala National Forest, is a lonely stretch…
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Miles Davis during the ‘Kind of Blue’ sessions.
 

This must be the place: Don’t play what’s there, play what’s not there

It was 60 years ago this past weekend (March 2, 1959) when Miles Davis’ seminal “Kind of Blue” album was…
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