Archived Opinion

Reaction to accident is disheartening

Reaction to accident is disheartening

To the Editor:

It makes me sick to think people would applaud Helping Hands not getting funding from Waynesville after such horrible circumstances occurred. 

Nicole Kott is an imperfect human just like the rest of us. She made a mistake, a mistake that has changed her life forever. This mistake should not negate all the amazing work she and Helping Hands have done in this community. This organization stepped in when it was most needed and has been incredibly responsible with the funds it’s been tasked with administering thus far. 

Nicole is a caring and giving person that has done so much of this work on her own and without pay and all while she was being harassed and threatened by certain community members. She’s put so much pressure on herself to do everything in her power to help those who have been deemed unworthy of help by others, it’s no wonder she was struggling internally. And now in her time of need and support, it’s devastating to see how she’s being judged. No one is going to be able to make her feel any worse about this situation than she is making herself feel. 

Our inability to feel empathy for other human beings will surely be our downfall. My hope is that someone can step into the director role at Helping Hands so that it can continue to provide valuable services in the community and that funding can be restored. I think that’s what Nicole would want. I wish her nothing but love and healing as she continues to recover from this tragic incident.

Jessi Stone

Waynesville

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10 comments

  • Pam - it’s pretty funny when you dont even add your last name -but are such an outspoken, hateful evil person & TROLL in the community that people automatically know who you are lol. You have bullied & harassed anyone with a differing opinion for years on social media. You’re nasty. It wouldnt matter what happened - you’d immediately jump on the band wagon because you cant help but hate on anyone who needs a helping hand. You’re a cruel human being. Forgetful that Stan sold drugs to half of Haywood County! Ha! Hypocrite! If you ever did one good thing in your life you’d probably fall over dead.

    posted by Pam’s fan

    Friday, 09/30/2022

  • To grateful (whoever you are) all I am trying to say is no one applauded the accident. They applauded the decision. Most didn't even know she was hurt. I felt that needed to be cleared up. Helping Hands was non compliant before the accident even occurred. The town really had no choice but to suspend the funds.

    posted by Pam Arrington

    Thursday, 09/29/2022

  • Thank you Jessi. No one is justifying drunk driving- these comments are so ignorant. Nicole did more for our community than anyone disparaging her. Pam Arrington needs to find better things to do with her time besides troll.

    posted by Grateful

    Thursday, 09/29/2022

  • Is the letter writer seriously trying to justify drunk driving by saying the driver was under stress? If she is under that much stress maybe the TOW did the right thing. A slap in the face to anyone who has ever lost a loved one to a drunk driver. Shame on this letter writer.

    posted by Robert Sherrill

    Thursday, 09/29/2022

  • Great job, Jessi!

    posted by Danya

    Thursday, 09/29/2022

  • Well spoken, Jessi. Thank you. I second your opinion!

    posted by Helen Geltman

    Wednesday, 09/28/2022

  • Nicole Kott was non compliant with the terms of the contract with the Town of Waynesville before the DWI accident. They had to suspend the funds because the receipts showing how she spent the money had not been submitted. People applauded the politicians for finally making the right decision. It was only after the applause that people were told of her injuries. No one was applauding someone being hurt. That is just a lie.

    posted by Pam

    Wednesday, 09/28/2022

  • If Jessi Stone had been there she would know that the reaction was NOT TO THE ACCIDENT. This opinion is misinformation at it's finest. Not surprised though.

    posted by I was there

    Wednesday, 09/28/2022

  • Thank you Nicole for helping me and my children. No one and I mean no one has any rights to judge anyone except for the one himself. We are hoping you are recovering and doing well. I'll never forget your help in a time of need no one else was there for us. Sincerely Autism Awareness Clan

    posted by Stephanie

    Wednesday, 09/28/2022

  • Thank you Nicole for helping me and my children. No one gas no rights to judge except for the one himself. We are hoping you are recovering and doing well. I'll never forget your help in a time of need no one else was there for us. Sincerely Autism Awareness Clan

    posted by Stephanie

    Wednesday, 09/28/2022

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