Graveyard tours are disrespectful
To the Editor: I have somewhat followed the issues surrounding the Green Hill Cemetery. I have stayed out of…
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An alternative solution for N.C. 107
By Carl Queen • Guest Columnist As a long-time resident of Sylva — 48 years — I have had a…
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Creating an honest path to gratitude
I haven’t always known how to feel grateful or identify the feeling of joy. There are certain lessons in life…
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It’s OK to ignore the people, governor
To the Editor: This is a letter to our dear Gov. Cooper. I couldn’t agree with you more. Pure genius.…
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Mueller investigation closing in on Trump
“He (Trump) knows very little about the legislative process, hasn’t learned anything, hasn’t surrounded himself with people that can get…
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Administration makes mistake with gender plans
The current administration is in the process of trying to erase transgender/cisgender people. If they have their way they will…
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Thanks for Sunburst story
To the Editor The works of Bethel Rural Community Organization (BRCO) seem to have flooded the news lately. A full…
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Nurturing the ties that bind
I’ve spent most of my career at small newspapers, and one thing I’ve learned is the value of making connections.…
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No regrets after a clean, heartfelt campaign
By Danny Davis • Guest Columnist I wish to express my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all of you who…
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Finding anchors in seasons of change
When the winds rage the sea, we look for an anchor. As my life continues to unfold, I’m learning there…
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President’s lies are simply sad
To the Editor: Paul Manafort, President Trump’s former campaign chairman, continues to lie, even after he pled guilty to 175…
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Anti-gunners endanger their fellow citizens
To the Editor: As I have said on many occasions, anti-gunners like to ignore the very important comma sign in…
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Animal control went beyond call of duty
To the Editor: This is a shoutout for the folks at Haywood County Animal Services. Last Sunday (Nov. 19) late…
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Get rid of Trump?
To the Editor: A recent letter writer said that the Democrats will do almost anything to get rid of Trump.…
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Meadows reacts too lightly to ethics rebuke
It sure would be nice for his constituents to hear Rep. Mark Meadows come out with a mea culpa regarding…
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Out of touch with the Black Friday banshees
I’ve set my phone on vibrate so that I can watch the game while enjoying my holiday concoction of Chex…
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In-hospital hospice just not the same
By Lorna Sterling • Guest Columnist Like many in the Haywood County community, I am concerned about the transfer of…
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Thoughts on Thanksgiving and traditions
Funny how when you’re living in a moment, you don’t realize how truly special the moment is. Only later in…
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Why own an Assault rifle?
To the Editor: The Second Amendment states: “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State,…
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Hopes for a long life and many travels
To the Editor: In response to the guest column in the November 7 issue regarding immigration, if you live long…
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Guest columnist omits history
To the Editor: In the November 7 issue of The Smoky Mountain News, Guest Columnist Autumn Woodward related a harrowing…
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GOP leader should be gracious in victory
To the Editor: While I agree with Cecil GOP Precinct Chair Ted Carr’s statement in Cory Vaillancourt’s “Eastbound and down”…
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Election results will make for a stronger democracy
There were many winners and losers last week on Election Day, but perhaps the best outcome is that the move…
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Time for all to choose dignity over party loyalty
Perhaps you have noticed how popular the “what about” argument has become these days? You know it works: you make…
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A heartfelt thanks to all in District 118
By Rhonda Cole Schandevel • Guest Columnist Good day to all who will take the time to read my long…
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Practice what you preach
To the Editor: The first duty of government to its citizens is to safeguard them from acts of violence. Instead,…
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Keep storm drains unclogged
To the Editor: Another large rainfall event is visiting our mountains this week, which can lead to flash floods and…
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Rep. Meadows for House Sanitation Committee
To the Editor: Now that the rest of the nation has seen the reality of the Trump Administration and voted…
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Veterans appreciate show of support
To the Editor: I would like to thank The Chef’s Table and Harrah’s Cherokee Casino for their generosity of inviting…
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‘Hyper-partisan’ moves threaten UNC’s future
The sudden resignation of Margaret Spellings as president of the UNC system should be a wake-up call to every North…
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Learning to connect with the other world
The night after my mom died, my dad stepped out on the front porch with my brother-in-law, whose father had…
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‘When did we see you, a stranger, and welcome you?’
By Autumn Woodward • Guest Columnist The Irish morning was cool. I’d tumbled over a stone wall into the park to…
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Put Schandevel In state House
To the Editor: “Meet the real Rhonda Schandevel” was what I read on the latest inaccurate ad I received in…
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Please vote and save democracy
To the Editor: We have been battered with a drumbeat of name calling and blaming over the last two years. It…
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Oppose voter photo ID amendment
To the Editor: The amendment on the ballot reads “Constitutional amendment to require voters to provide photo identification before voting…
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This is the Rhonda that I know
To the Editor: John Wooden once said, “ … the true test of a man’s character is what he does…
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Meadows lives in echo chamber
To the Editor: Republican Mark Meadows held an impromptu rally in front of the Macon County Courthouse on October 24,…
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Don’t sink to Trump’s level
To the Editor: The first duty of government to its citizens is to safeguard them from acts of violence. Instead,…
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Vote no on all six amendments
To the Editor: Recent newspaper stories have provided information about the six proposed amendments to the state constitution. We would…
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At least two elected officials need to go
As election fatigue sets in, keep this in mind: it’s the local races that will most affect each of us.…
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Band culture is a thing, a good thing
When our daughter told us a little over four years ago that she was interested in trying out for the…
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Finding inspiration in banned books
My mom was a librarian and my dad an English teacher so books were always stacked on the dining room…
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Hate is not a platform
To the Editor: The large sign on the Asheville highway that was apparently put up by a rare “civil” local…
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Voter ID opponents insult citizenry
To the Editor: Opponents of the Voter ID amendment use the reason that requiring a photo ID will suppress the…
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Melrose deserves vote for judge
To the Editor: I am writing in support of Mark Melrose for Superior Court Judge. I am for common sense…
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I’d vote for Mau if I was able
To the Editor: I can’t vote in Jackson County, but I’m committed to the future of my hometown. That’s why…
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Won’t someone think of the children?
To the Editor: Listen, if you will. A small child somewhere in the United States crying out in the night.…
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Vote ‘no’ on all six amendments
To the Editor: Amending the N.C. Constitution should not be taken lightly nor done with political intent. This document is…
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Rep. Meadows sells out to Trump
To the Editor: As we prepare to vote in the November elections, let’s recall Bill Covin’s letter (SMN, Oct. 2-9,…
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