Memories of WCTC’s feline director of all things theater
Back in the days when WCU was WCTC (Western Carolina Teachers’ College), I was one of a few kids that…
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It’s past time for land use review to get started
The acknowledgement by Waynesville’s leaders that they let a review of the town’s much-heralded land use plan languish and now…
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It’s all about the kids, right?
We stood looking at the dinosaur for quite awhile. As parents of children ages 7 and 3, we are more…
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Bad economy leads to a few good things
By John Beckman • Guest Columnist A lot of attention lately has been focused on how bad the economic downturn…
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With each visit home, college daughter is more grown up
By David Curtis Just a short two weeks ago I was texting my daughter, who was in the process of…
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That’s me on the couch, counting my blessings
The holidays are upon us, I’m walking almost normal, and I’m ready to sit on the couch and count my…
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Sustainable travel makes sense
By Cynthia Deale • Western Regional Representative, Center for Sustainable Tourism Editor’s note: This series of green living tips is…
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DOT meeting should have been advertised
By James McCarthy • Guest Columnist Did the N.C. Department of Transportation hold an illegal meeting on Dec. 4 at…
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Public land stewardship as economic stimulus
Editor’s Note: The following is testimony delivered by Mark Singleton of Sylva, who is the chairman of the Outdoor Alliance.…
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Waynesville needs to get going on land use plan update
It’s time for Waynesville to get going on its land use plan review, especially since the economic downturn has slowed…
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No guns, no bikes, and no dogs
By Danny Bernstein • Guest Columnist Our national parks have been assaulted by new rulings in the closing days of…
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Schools give money back, Big Three ready to take it
As the economic picture gets more and more bleak, the ironies loom larger and larger. Public school systems, community colleges…
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Don’t jump up and do anything
With Clayton Cathey On a weekday afternoon the Walker Service Station in Waynesville is busy with a steady stream of…
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Open yourself to the simple pleasures of the season
By Linda McFarland • Guest Columnist Here we are in the holidays, the most sacred and profane time of year.…
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Come rain, snow or cold, holiday lights go up
By David Curtis If a tree falls in the forest and no one is there to hear it, does it…
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There are ways to reduce chance of getting the flu
By Dr. Allan Zacher, M.D. Flu season is here. You and your family and friends have not gotten it yet,…
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A reminder to keep the public in mind
“’Official meeting’ means a meeting, assembly, or gathering together at any time or place ... of a majority of the…
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Snow days are like heaven for 12-year-olds
You are 12 years old and it’s December and a school day. The days are shorter now, meaning it is…
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Choices in home energy systems
By Avram Friedman • Executive Director, Canary Coalition Getting “off the grid” is more and more appealing to many of…
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In high school, more than you might imagine do care about politics
By Zack Dean • Smoky Mtn. High School I had to work late on Nov. 4, so upon coming home…
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Forgive yes, but first a look at HRMC’s recent past
The healing power of forgiveness is at the top of the list of things in which I believe strongly. It’s…
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The politics of python invasions
By David Curtis Just when you thought you had enough to worry about here comes a news report that’s right…
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Green Energy Park is not dangerous
By Timm Muth My thanks to the editor for giving me the opportunity to respond to the recent allegations about…
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Signs that we are growing up
Sparta, N.C. – I am on my way to town to get a birthday cake for my son, Jack. He…
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Tuning in once again
The Sweetest Sounds The sweetest sounds I’ll ever hear Are still inside my head. The kindest words I’ll ever know…
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HRMC's survival vital to Haywood
Some are saying Regional Medical Center faces an uncertain future, but we believe it is vitally important for community leaders,…
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Valentine's Day, often, is about survival
By David Curtis Whew ... I survived another Valentine’s Day. That is a big accomplishment if you are a man,…
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In winter, the joy of gardening is the beauty of a blank slate
By Marsha Crites • Guest Columnist Whether I am working on a watercolor design, organizing a community group, decorating a…
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Mental health crisis will need enlightened leadership
By Ed Seavey • Guest Columnist The recent issue of the Smoky Mountain News (Jan. 16, “WNC Confronts Mental Health…
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Resisting the prospect of extinction
By Brent Martin Almost 10 years ago, science writer David Quammen published an essay in Harper’s Magazine titled A Planet…
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The innate traits of the male species
By Stephanie Wampler Step-by-cautious step, the man crosses the room, casting his eyes in all directions to make sure no…
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A favorite plant
By Jim Janke • Special to SMN Editor’s note: This is a regular feature on gardening by the Haywood County…
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Development rules will get test in commissioner race
When the Democratic primary election rolls around in Jackson County on May 6, many will finally get the chance they’ve…
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Too close to call
The most fascinating race for President of the United States in my lifetime could have become a good bit more…
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The greening of America
“I suddenly think about my friends, you know, getting on their private jets. And I think, well, you know, maybe…
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Reverend C. T. Vivian sheds light on roots of Civil Rights movement
By Victoria McDonald • Guest Columnist Reverend C. T. Vivian is a living legend of the 1960s Civil Rights Movement.…
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Forest Service should let boaters on the Chattooga
The U.S. Forest Service is about to release its opinion on whether to allow boating on the Chattooga River. It’s…
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Counties need full-time economic development director
There’s not a one-size-fits-all model for how counties should promote economic development, but at the very least there should be…
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This rodent won’t make it to the White House
PUNXSUTAWNEY, Penn. — A year from the day he announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination for president, Punxsutawney Phil,…
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Letter writers take me to task twice in one week
Fair’s fair, so I’ll print an anonymous letter I received over the weekend. We usually don’t print anonymous submissions, but…
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North Shore area won’t be designated a wilderness
By Rep. Heath Shuler After more than 60 years of contentious debate that has divided our community, we are finally…
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Fundamental issues are ignored in immigration debate
By Marsha Crites • Guest Columnist She is very thin, about 6 years old, her hair is unkempt and her…
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Oh, the glorious memory of boredom
George Bernard Shaw once said, “It’s a shame that youth is wasted on the young.” If that is true, then…
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Tis the season of politics and lies
The truth is that, at the state level, no one is giving Pat Smathers a chance to win in his…
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Long-term fix must be found for state’s mental health care woes
Perhaps it is going to take a complete fracturing of the mental health system before policymakers finally realize that North…
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Is it unpatriotic to save the rebate?
Don’t you just love being an American. Just the mere mention of the word “recession” and the next thing you…
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Stay out of my space with the cell phone
By Angela Faye Martin Presently, I am stalking though my local library collecting my thoughts on what I will write…
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Last challenge to Duke worth a try
Jackson County is almost at the end of its rope in the fight against Duke Power, but it is important…
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Turn and face the change
Are you ready for a change, I mean a REAL change? The candidates for president of the United States are…
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Next president has abig hole to dig us out of
“Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just.” — Thomas Jefferson Thomas Jefferson believed in…
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