Thank you, lord, for the fixers
Once in a while, something will happen that freezes time for just a moment.
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Back-to-school excitement is upon us
A lot has changed through the decades, but the excitement surrounding a back-to-school season remains.
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Understanding will come in time
To the Editor: I appreciate the clear, factual reporting done by Cory Vaillancourt uncovering the truth regarding the Waynesville Recreation…
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A call for help from veteran election officials
As two of the longest serving election officials in North Carolina, we write from Hickory with an important invitation for…
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There is room at the table for all
To the Editor: Congratulations to the Smoky Mountain News and Cory Vaillancourt!
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We should not tolerate the lies
To the Editor: A strange paradox is alive in American politics.
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Trans people just don’t exist
To the Editor: Your entire article regarding the trans person at the Waynesville Recreation Center starts with a lie.
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Thanks for showing Pless’ spiteful actions
To the Editor: Thanks to Scott McLeod for pointing out the inappropriate control Mark Pless wants to have in local…
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Community makes things less scary
To the Editor: After attending the meeting on Tuesday evening at the Waynesville Town Hall, one of the speeches that…
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What would a library be without ‘outside influences’?
At the June 27 meeting of the Macon County Board of Commissioners, Chairman Bill Dyar was asked by Leah Gaston…
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Life lessons learned this summer
This summer I’ve been learning several important life lessons.
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Pless continues to support some ‘bad stuff’
Rep. Mark Pless, to put it bluntly, is a piece of work.
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How can we describe Trump?
To the Editor: By reading the final report of January 6 Committee, I noticed this bit of information: As many…
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Thanks for supporting Folkmoot event
To the Editor: Folkmoot’s first-ever Summer Soirée on July 20 at the Folkmoot Friendship Center attracted nearly 200 guests and…
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When in Edisto, it’s jungle rules
Edisto Beach, SC – Not more than 15 minutes after we finished lugging all of our stuff up two flights…
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Folkmoot’s 40th is a time to re-assess its future
Folkmoot at 40 is much different than the younger version of itself . But it’s still here, and for that…
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Learning how to have true fun
A couple weeks ago The Smoky Mountain News hosted its anniversary party.
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Wildlife disappearing from Lake Junaluska
To the Editor: Since its inception Lake Junaluska has been a beacon and home to some of God’s most beautiful…
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Yes, indeed, Thomas Paine!
To the Editor: The indictment of former President Donald J. Trump in the Southern District of Florida on June 8…
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A reason for the patriotism gap
To the Editor: In The American Legion Magazine (July 2023), in an article titled “Flag Wavers,” Alan W Dowd states: “The…
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The short-term rental issue is now a crisis
Short term vacation rentals — and their impact on affordable housing and the tourism industry — are vexing both local…
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Being mindful of Mother Nature’s gifts
Lately we’ve been enjoying the hummingbirds each morning on our back deck.
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Supporting a free press is, well, patriotic
The cookouts are over, the red, white and blue decorations are coming off the patios and tables and are being…
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Plastics everywhere — should we be worried?
A baby whale washed up on a beach. Eighty-eight pounds of plastics were found in its stomach. Should we care?
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A new day dawns for young Melvin
Melvin McLeod Trawick, our first grandchild, came into this world seven days ago.
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Quirkiness attracts, at least in my marriage
I have always been fascinated by and drawn to quirky people.
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Law-and-order Republicans are silent
To the Editor: It is truly disheartening to see the response of elected Republicans to the indictment of Donald Trump.…
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Tribal Council should show more respect
To the Editor: I am writing to say I am discouraged and disappointed by the behavior of some Tribal Council…
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If you had a magic crayon, what would you draw?
Recently I stumbled upon one of my columns from 2017. I talked of an evening where I sat with my…
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Patriotism requires a common story
Is a picture really worth a thousand words? In very online debates among very online people, the exchange rate is…
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What’s happening to waterfowl at Lake J?
To the Editor: I would like to know what is happening to the ducks and geese at Lake Junaluska.
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Loss of paper mill is a loss for forests
The closing of the paper mill in Canton is a major loss for its 1,100 employees and a shock to…
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Law-and-order Republicans are silent
To the Editor: It is truly disheartening to see the response of elected Republicans to the indictment of Donald Trump.
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Embracing summertime
According to the calendar, summertime is still a couple weeks away, but with morning birds singing and the sun brightly…
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We can, and should, stop the bloodshed
To the Editor: Letter-writer Dave Waldrop (SMN, May 25 edition) asked: “What is the cost of mass murder?” The next…
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Tyrants of all stripes are dangerous
Donald Trump is a paradigm of vices who deserved both of his impeachments and deserves indictment — which may happen…
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Store’s lawn jockeys are very disturbing
To the Editor: A Floridian friend, who recently arrived in Maggie Valley, called me Sunday morning to alert me to…
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What is the cost of mass murder?
To the Editor: What is the typical cost of a mass murder? My bet is that it is very expensive.…
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A few words about your accommodations …
Dear family, we are so very pleased to have you with us this weekend to celebrate Jack’s graduation from high…
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Don’t legislate your ‘beliefs’
To the Editor: According to a couple of newsletters I got, the week of May 14-20 was National Women’s Health…
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Minor correction on partisan voting
To the Editor: I would like to offer a small clarification to Ron Rokstool’s fine column last week concerning Rep.…
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Real reporting is much appreciated
To the Editor: My oh my, but Janet Presson, R.N., M.Ed., seemed intent on ripping Cory Vaillancourt a new one…
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Remembering our aging warriors
When I was growing up and even in early adulthood, World War II veterans were the elder of the veterans…
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