All four lanes of Interstate 40 near the Tennessee state lane will be open to traffic before sunrise on Wednesday.

201 Barber Blvd, Waynesville. Thursday, May 23 • 3-6 p.m.

An upcoming widening project on Interstate 26 in Buncombe and Henderson counties will impact the Blue Ridge Parkway. 

The U.S. Senate is considering a bill that would provide permanent funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund.

An environmental analysis is now complete for the Southside Project, expected to improve forest health, diversity and wildlife habitat in southeastern Macon County and southern Jackson County. 

The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Partnership (BRNHA) has awarded 19 grants totaling $190,171 to support projects across the North Carolina mountains and foothills, focusing on craft, music, natural heritage, Cherokee culture and agricultural traditions.

To the Editor:

State legislators have proposed a bill they misname “N.C. Health Care for Working Families,” a Medicaid expansion bill with the most stringent work requirements ever. It would require that in order to have Medicaid health insurance, “able bodied” persons would have to regularly work 20 or more hours a week. This seems to make sense on its face. But, both the experience of other states and research evidence show that work requirements do not help unemployed people find jobs. Instead they result in huge holes in the social safety-net for our most vulnerable citizens.  

 The idea that a work requirement with the promise of health insurance would push someone uninterested in working to find a job is just plain wrong. Here’s why. The largest proportion of those who would be eligible for Medicaid expansion already work 20 hours a week or more. If they are “able bodied” and do not work, there is generally one or more valid reasons why. Here are some examples: inadequate or absent public transportation, health issues deemed not eligible for disability, mental illness or substance addiction, having a criminal record, caring for sick or aging family members, lack of job skills/training or illiteracy, just to name a few. It’s worth noting that those who work odd jobs or for employers that pay under-the-table in construction, landscaping, house cleaning or the like would not be eligible for coverage. Likewise, those who depend on seasonal work and spend several off-season months without employment would not meet the 20-hour minimum and would be dropped from coverage as well.    

Both research and common sense agree that when a person has access to nutritious food, safe housing and healthcare they are far more likely to find and keep steady work. If our legislators are actually in the business of improving the lives of N.C. citizens, they will listen to the evidence and pass Medicaid expansion without a work requirement. Please don’t leave the most vulnerable among us behind. We’re better than that. 

Barbara Kelton

Bryson City

To the Editor:

Here’s a brief analysis of Donald Trump’s leadership using Joe Bryson’s characteristics: 

• Vision — Yes, Trump has his vision for America-fascism with him at the helm. “The press is the enemy” is a major sign here. Grade F

• Courage — Are bone spurs what kept Trump out of uniform? Why did he say he likes people who don’t get captured? Grade F

• Wisdom — Not much here! Does he believe he can coerce people to follow his philosophy? Grade F

• Energy — We must give the old man some credit here. He stays right with his golf game, his campaign stops and his business dealings. Grade A

• Management Skill — Why would a presidential candidate surround himself with so many people who pled guilty to or have been convicted of crimes? Why consider pardons for them? Grade F

• Charisma — He has been a TV star. On a reality show that is virtual unreality. Flashback: Anyone remember Jim Jones and his charismatic/religious leadership? Grade F+

• Integrity — Did Trump forgive Hilary Clinton only to rescind it? Grade F

• Spiritual System (added by author) — Is establishing an Evangelical Advisory Board while at the same time separating mothers and children at the border something of a contradiction in words and deeds? Grade FFF

Religions have historically been a form of “obedience to the un-enforceable.” Why is Trump’s appointee (Neil Gorsuch) trying to establish Christianity as America’s national religion?

Regarding the weather, have you noticed those three clouds hovering over the White House? Can you see the word “collusion” in one, “obstruction” in one and “Mueller Report” in the third one?

What has Trump’s leadership led America to? Where are we headed?

Dave Waldrop

Webster

A professor in Western Carolina University’s School of Nursing is teaming up with an award-winning documentary filmmaker to produce a video series related to the opioid epidemic that will enhance classroom instruction for the university’s nurse practitioner students and assist primary care health providers across the region.

Surprise you mom and other special women in your life this year with a greeting card that will also help make a difference in the community. 

Former Big Cove representative Teresa McCoy will regain her place on the ballot in the race for principal chief following an order from the Cherokee Supreme Court overturning the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Board of Elections’ decision to exclude her from the race. 

Haywood County Public Library cardholders have an opportunity to relieve their library fines while helping out with food insecurity in Haywood County.

Graduating students who comprise what is believed to be Western Carolina University’s eighth straight record spring class will gather with their families and friends for commencement ceremonies Friday, May 10, and Saturday, May 11.

A contractor for the N.C. Department of Transportation will begin setting up a lane shift on U.S. 441 in Jackson County on Thursday that will provide safe travel lanes and a safe work zone when construction crews begin repairing road damage on Cowee Mountain.

140 Weaver Blvd., Weaverville. Thursday, May 2 • 3-6 p.m. Over 25 local farmers, food and beverage makers and bread bakers.

Wildflower displays along Western North Carolina highways have earned local N.C. Department of Transportation offices statewide recognition. 

Bill Hodge, longtime executive director of the Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards, is stepping down from the organization. 

A landslide on Forest Service Road 4650 in Jackson County has resulted in closure of the Wayehutta OHV Trail System. 

For the fifth time, Western Carolina University has been voted the top adventure college in Blue Ridge Outdoors’ online readers’ poll. 

After 27 years of service, legendary Lake Junaluska landscaper Roddy Ray has retired. 

This year’s opening schedule for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is now final, with most facilities having opened in time for Easter and the remaining facilities resuming operations by Memorial Day. 

One of the newest additions to the Sylva music scene, the Fuzzy Peppers are a blend of indie-rock and psychedelic-soul sensibilities. 

The grand opening celebration of Waynesville Art School will be from noon to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, April 27, at 303 North Haywood St., in Waynesville.

To the Editor:

In the early 1900s, sporting organizations and state wildlife agencies, concerned with declining wildlife populations in the United States due to years of market hunting enacted the Federal Aid And Wildlife Restoration Act. This act, better known as the Pittman-Roberson Act, provides funds for wildlife restoration. Laws were also enacted banning market hunting and setting seasons and bag limits, thus creating our modern day wildlife management plans. With no grocery store on every corner and no factory farms, the masses, just like today, had to be fed.

The P-R Act generates funds through an 11 percent excise tax on long guns, ammunition, and archery equipment and a 10 percent excise tax on handguns. The revenue from this tax goes into the Wildlife Restoration Account administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Funds are then apportioned annually to state wildlife agencies. The money is used for the restoration and improvement of wildlife habitat, and wildlife management research. The act was amended in 1970 to include funding for hunter education programs making hunting one of the safest outdoor activities.

 According to public records, since 1939 the Wildlife Restoration Account has generated over $10 billion which has funded the purchase of approximately 4 million acres of land to support wildlife with another 40 million acres being managed for wildlife under agreements with land owners. 

Funds from the P-R Act, along with a similar tax on fishing equipment, fees from the sale of licenses and permits, help from private organizations such as National Wild Turkey Federation, Ruffed Grouse Society, and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation to name just a few, have paved the way for the abundance of wildlife on the additional millions of acres they have helped preserve.  

Currently, funds are being used in our national forests in WNC for road maintenance, wildlife openings and food plots. With less than one percent of our national forests in early successional habitat, and with declining populations of ruffed grouse, deer and song birds that depend on this type of habitat, this is much-needed funding. As a proud outdoor sportsman, I am glad to help fund this worthy cause.

Mark B. Rogers

Canton

To the Editor:

Do you know that by Oct. 1, 2020, you must have a REAL ID driver license in order to board flights in the United States or get into federal facilities, military bases and federal prisons? On that date, the Transportation Security Administration will begin enforcing REAL ID requirements at airport security checkpoints. Federal agencies will begin requiring REAL ID-compliant licenses and IDs for admission to a variety of federal facilities.

To apply for an N.C. REAL ID driver license or identification card, go to a N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles driver license office with the following documents: birth certificate with full name and date of birth or a valid passport, one document with full name and full Social Security number, and two documents with current address. 

If your name is different from the name on the birth certificate, passport or other U.S. government documents, one of the following is required: certified marriage license/certificate, divorce decree, document from the courts or Register of Deeds or Name Change Affidavit. 

The cost for a North Carolina REAL ID driver license or ID card is the same as a renewal if the REAL ID is obtained within six months of expiration. If the REAL ID is obtained outside of the renewal period, the cost is the same as a duplicate ($13). 

For more information, go to Official NCDMV:N.C. REAL ID Requirements website or contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles office. 

Mary A. Herr 

Cherokee 

The view from the Pink Beds Overlook at milepost 410 on the Blue Ridge Parkway is looking a lot better than it has in a long time following a Renew the Views vista restoration project. 

Comments are wanted on a U.S. Forest Service proposal to burn 814 acres in Panthertown Valley, located in the Nantahala National Forest near Cashiers.

To the Editor

The U.S. Supreme Court met March 26 to hear arguments on redistricting in three states, including North Carolina. Their decision could have significant impact on you no matter what your party affiliation. 

Both parties in North Carolina have a long history of drawing district lines to win elections. Call it stacking the deck or cheating, it’s wrong and it does nothing to serve the greater good. If you take no action you are approving the politicians choosing their voters instead of voters choosing their politicians.

The North Carolina legislature is considering two bills on redistricting, House Bills H69 and H140. This letter is intended to make you aware of them and encourage you to call your representatives. Get their position on these bills and why. 

The bills differ in several ways — size and party composition of the redistricting commission; number of votes required to approve the new redistricting maps; and if a change to the Constitution is required.

Most importantly, both bills would go far to ensuring a non-partisan process that results in fair and representative elections of our state legislators and members of Congress.

Understand what’s going on. Call your legislators. Rep. Kevin Corbin (R-Franklin) supports these bills; it appears Sen. Jim Davis (R- District 50) will not support it should the bill get to the Senate. Ask both why they support or oppose these bills.

This is in no way about party politics. The majority party today may not be the majority party in the future. This is about ensuring a level playing field now.

Dave Kukor

Highlands

Center for Domestic Peace (CDP) is hosting an open house from 3 to 6 p.m. Thursday, April 25, at 26 Ridgeway Street, Sylva. Speakers will begin at 4 p.m. 

Haywood Community College registration for summer and fall semesters is open now through April 26 for both new and continuing students. 

A 385-acre tract of productive, scenic farmland in Haywood County has now been permanently protected thanks to efforts from the Rogers family and the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy. 

Nodding Trillium Garden, the Pittillo Family Nature Preserve, will hold a grand opening of its wildflower garden trail on Wednesday, April 17, in Cullowhee. 

Paul Wolf, who heads up Southwestern Community College’s outdoor leadership program, received recognition at the 2019 Southeast Regional Conference of the Association for Experiential Education. 

To the Editor:

President Trump abruptly announced that he supports the court’s efforts to eliminate Obama Care. This would fulfill one half of the thus far unrealized Republican promise to repeal and replace. That is, the courts would repeal Obama Care without a plan to replace it. For those who think there’s no way that could happen, think again. Despite the promises and years of rhetoric, Republicans are not even close to a transition plan, let alone a replacement.   

 If the courts prevail, it would eliminate health care for tens of millions. Collateral damage would include: removing no charge preventive services and increase drug costs for people on Medicare; void Medicaid expansion — opioid treatment, children’s programs and all; remove protections for preexisting conditions, the single most popular provision; allow private insurers to eliminate or reduce payment for almost anything, for example maternity care or mental health treatment. A huge chunk of the insurance industry would go away with nothing to fill the void. The health care payment system could just implode.    

 We all know that Obama Care has problems, not the least of which are premium costs, high deductibles, and limited choice especially in rural areas like ours. Democrats in the House of Representatives are now hard at work creating legislation to fix Obama Care. The legislation aims to close loopholes, mitigate current weaknesses, and bring costs down to a level where health insurance is affordable for every day Americans. 

 No matter how many times the refrain “The Republicans are the party of health care” is repeated, it just isn’t true. They’re just empty words. If you believe like I do — that quality, affordable health care is the right of every citizen, not a privilege reserved for those fortunate enough to have it — take a look at the evidence and remember who is really working to make health care a universal right for all. We can make it happen with your support. 

 Elaine Slocumb

Bryson City

On Tuesday, April 16, the lecture series “Where We Live: History, Nature, and Culture” at Cowee School Heritage Center, will present a program by Dr. Ben Steere on the Nikwasi Mound in Franklin, an important Cherokee cultural site. 

Wheels Through Time, “The Museum That Runs,” has announced that they are updating their name in honor and recognition of museum founder and curator, Dale Walksler. The new name will be, “Dale’s Wheels Through Time Museum.” Coinciding with the name change will be a new logo and branding as well as new and updated merchandise.

The Nantahala Health Foundation, a newly formed, public nonprofit, recently announced its board of directors, as well as the launch of its website.   

I recently saw people interviewed at the CPAC meeting stating how pleased they were with Trump’s accomplishments. That got me to thinking that maybe Trump’s most impressive accomplishment is gaslighting people into thinking that his pronouncements of achievements are real. Let’s take a look at the actual accomplishments.

The 2019 season of events at the Cradle of Forestry in America will kick off Saturday, April 6, with the living history event Opening Day Appalachian Folkways Celebration. 

Seasonal road openings are beginning on the Pisgah and Nantahala national forests.

A new solar project is now complete at Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino and Hotel in Murphy following a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday, March 27.

The Haywood Community College timbersports team claimed first place at the Mid-Atlantic States Intercollegiate Woodsmen’s Meet held at the Haywood County Fairgrounds this past weekend. 

HCC student Darby Hand took first place in the STIHL Timbersports Collegiate Series Mid-Atlantic Qualifier. As a result, he will compete in the U.S. Collegiate Championships in Milwaukee in late July. Following HCC, Penn State Mont Alto came in second place and Montgomery Community College came in third.