Thirty years later, partying like it’s 1979
James looks at me, briefly averts his eyes, then looks at me again, this time with a purpose and a…
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Sometimes public comment just muddies the water
When Haywood county commissioners decided a few weeks ago to adopt new rules guiding public comment at their meetings, some…
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Spending your money where it helps the most
I was sorry to hear that Spring Street Café in Sylva had closed. Emily Elders opened the restaurant about a…
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Ron Robinson must just know it all
To the Editor: Who is Ron Robinson? He must be someone who has powers beyond those of the mortals he wants…
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Ellis is worthy of judgeship
To the Editor: Some of us may be confused about the many judicial contests. However, the name of one candidate is…
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Very disturbing trends beset this country
To the Editor: Here are some disturbing trends. The top 20 percent of the wealthiest individuals own 93 percent of…
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Cherokee could do better regulating bear zoos
“Cherokee has so much to offer, such as its beautiful mountains, museums, cultural and historical exhibits, Native American shops, friendly…
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Jackson challengers don’t have good ideas
To the Editor: Over the course of the past year or so our Jackson County commissioner have been faced with…
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Jackson commissioners responsive to veterans
To the Editor: In a few days, Jackson County voters will be choosing the leadership of the county for the…
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Sylva’s cool factor rising, and keeping Annie’s helps
I’ve been thinking recently about what makes Sylva so cool. In my view, it has only been in the last…
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The resurrection will arrive, sayeth the gardeners
There is a story about Katharine White — an editor and writer for The New Yorker magazine — that I…
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Give Obama more time to succeed
To the Editor: I am going to the dentist in the coming week. As a self-employed artist and educator, I…
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What happened to driver courtesy?
By David Redman • Guest Columnist When did we, as a nation, transition from courteous and abiding by the ”…
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The truth still matters, even in politics
Just tell the truth. That’s what we teach our children, it’s what we need from our loved ones, and it’s…
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A great place to run a bookstore
Editor’s note: Margaret Osondu’s bookstore was bought out by a competitor, Blue Ridge Books and News. Osondu remained on staff…
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The most important thing to have
By Natalie Smith • Guest Columnist One of the most commonly asked questions in life is “Where are you from?”…
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A 21st Century Strategy for America’s Great Outdoors
By Mark Singleton • Guest Columnist Even in times of crisis, we’re called to take the long view to preserve…
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Health care in Swain is top notch
To the Editor: Your article “County health rankings yield mixed results” in the July 14 issue was well-researched, well-written and…
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X marks the spot
I turned 35 years old on Tax Day. I’ve been stuck with that birth date from the beginning and have…
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Tailgate Market has been around for 25 years
To the Editor: The Waynesville Tailgate Market is celebrating 25 years of serving Haywood County. The longevity of the market…
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County pay raises gone afoul
To the Editor: In early 2008, Jackson County commissioners approved a study to be done of comparative public sector employees’…
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The ‘loser’ case may not be all that it appears
By Chris Cox I did not expect to, but I feel sorry for Enka Middle School teacher Rex Roland, who…
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Some are stealing from animal shelter
To the Editor: First, I’d like to thank all the folks who support PAWS, Swain County’s privately run no-kill animal…
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Visitors are here, but who’s getting them?
To the Editor: Something is terribly wrong when the region has a “ready-made” audience of an estimated 18 million visitors…
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Sediment at Lake J part of larger problem
To the Editor: Sediment in our streams is our biggest water quality threat. Everyone takes notice when more than $150,000…
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Jackson’s financial position has slipped
To the Editor: Last week, Mr. Ron Robinson of Jackson County quoted a statistic in support of re-electing our county…
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Barnyard wisdom arrives, but at its own speed
I am learning to move at the speed each task demands. This is a lesson the barnyard teaches. It is…
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Obama’s stumbles open door for conservatives
By Kirkwood Callahan • Guest Columnist Two years ago, America’s newest political superstar, Barack Obama, walked across campaign stages to…
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Excuses, excuses – don’t give me that
I remember my outrage bubbling up as she spoke. “Mrs. Langley,” my fellow first-grade classmate and yellow-bellied, snitch-of-a-former friend said…
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Miller is choice in 11th District
To the Editor: If you are unfamiliar with Jeff Miller, the Republican candidate for the 11th Congressional District, or if…
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Don’t muzzle public input in Haywood
To the Editor: As citizens of Haywood County, we would like to call your attention to some proposals that the…
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Incumbents are best for commissioner seats
To the Editor: The race is on now that Labor Day has come and gone. For a while we will…
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Democrats are the problem solvers
To the Editor: I am a proud Democrat. An intelligent, articulate Democrat became President and he brought back America’s honor…
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Why we need a public forum in Jackson County
To the Editor: Why did the Jackson County Home Builders Association organize the upcoming Jackson County Town Hall Forum at…
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I go to carnivals, therefore I love my children
Part of becoming a parent is making peace with the proposition that virtually everyone in the world except you knows…
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Incumbents are best to represent Jackson
To the Editor: This year we have three county commissioners running for re-election in Jackson County. Brian McMahan is running…
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Understanding others is the way to peace
To the Editor: We write with deep concern over recent attacks on Muslims and Muslim communities in our country. One…
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Forest Hills needs to look before it leaps
To the Editor: Having been involved when Forest Hills sought to impose an ETJ on surrounding communities several years ago…
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Forest Hills should consider its future
To the Editor: I have several concerns about the Forest Hills annexation after attending the second extended meeting between Forest Hills and Western…
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Scotts Creek still has its pollution problems
To the Editor: The article titled “Creeks now flow clean through Waynesville and Sylva” (Sept. 8 Smoky Mountain News) described…
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Missed forum was bad timing, not apathy
To the Editor: I would like to respond to the Cindy Solesbee letter to the editor in the Sept. 8…
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Judging a society by what it values
A lot of ink has been spilled over the new $10.3 million crafts education building at Haywood Community College, and…
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Sometimes you just know when it’s right
I felt sure this morning the thermometer was telling lies. It read 48 degrees, but the chill in the air…
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Independent candidates might deserve a look
To the Editor: With the occurrence of each election cycle, more and more Americans are choosing to support and vote…
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Good ideas can’t get past Democratic leadership
To the Editor: Congressman Heath Shuler just sent out an email talking once again about the wisdom of his “S.A.V.E.…
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GOP was blamed for good reason
To the Editor: I want to thank the League of Women Voters in Franklin for holding candidate forums for our…
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What’s the game, living longer or looking better?
“Pssst!” I was just finishing up my lat pull-down exercise when I heard it, but I was too busy thinking…
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Incumbents were not very open-minded
To the Editor: The League of Women Voters is to be commended for conducting a forum in Franklin on Aug.…
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Green building is the right choice
To the Editor: The move towards sustainability is of paramount importance for the future of our local communities, our nation…
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Bucks, does, pullets and cockerels ... huh?
Auctioneer Mike Cagle’s patter mingles with the crows of roosters, quacking of ducks and chatter of the crowd. “These homer…
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