Great Smoky Mountains National Park announced that recently closed areas of the park were once again accessible to visitors beginning Sunday, Jan. 13. Some basic visitor services, including campgrounds and restrooms, reopened using revenue generated by recreation fees. 

SmartFinancial, Inc., the parent company of SmartBank, and Entegra Financial Corp., the parent company of Entegra Bank, jointly announced Tuesday the signing of a definitive merger agreement pursuant to which Entegra will combine with SmartFinancial in a strategic merger of equals.

Tying in with Western Carolina University’s 2018-19 campus learning theme “Defining America,” the keynote speaker for this year’s Martin Luther King Jr. celebration on campus will speak on the topic “Re-Defining Us in All of Our Richness.”

1141 Tunnel Road, Asheville, Thursday, January 24 • 3-6 p.m. Meet 20+ local farmers and craft food, sauce, beer and cider makers and sample products!

A record 3,859 people rang in the New Year at North Carolina State Parks by participating in one of the 57 First Day Hikes offered at parks statewide. 

A black bear found dead in Hyde County in Eastern North Carolina has tested positive for rabies, the first known case of a rabies-positive black bear in the state, according to the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. 

Winter Lights at the N.C. Arboretum had a record-setting season, drawing nearly 40,000 guests over the course of its six-week run ending Dec. 31. 

The Nature Conservancy’s work to promote sustainable forestry in Western North Carolina has been recognized with the organization receiving one of this year’s Root Cause Awards, which celebrate achievement in local forest products and sustainable forestry. 

To the Editor

We must save the Trump Presidency. Build the Wall!

Never mind that it mortgages our children’s future. What’s another $5 billion? We must keep our priorities straight. It doesn’t matter what is best for our country, and Texas is a big state; they can handle the environmental destruction. What counts is saving the Donald. Git ‘er done!

Joanne Strop

Waynesville

Harris Regional Hospital is ringing in 2019 with the year’s first bundle of joy. Weighing 8 pounds and measuring 19.5 inches, Owen Smith was born to Anna and Brett Smith, Monday, Jan. 1, at 5:30 a.m.

It's that time of year when many of us, filled with remorse over one too many cookies or glasses of eggnog combined with skipping our workouts decide to try a detox or cleanse.

Seasonal road closures are underway in the Pisgah National Forest. Certain roads are closed each winter to help protect wildlife habitat, decrease wildlife disturbance, reduce road maintenance costs and protect public safety during long bouts of adverse weather. 

SylvanSport is expanding its operations with an upcoming move to a new factory in Transylvania County. 

The Waynesville Parks and Recreation Department is looking for feedback on its programs through a survey now online. 

Free classes and open studio times are being offered at The Uptown Gallery in Franklin.

By Norm Hoffman • Guest Columnist

Now we have yet another federal government shutdown. We have to ask if there ever was a government shutdown that Rep. Mark Meadows did not like or have a possible hand in making happen.

In 2018, Lake Junaluska invested more than $5 million into transforming its facilities and grounds. These improvements will help thousands of Lake Junaluska visitors experience transformation and renewal.

How does someone prepare for one of the most important jobs of their life, the job of being a mother? For some it is caring for younger siblings, having their own mother there to guide them, talking with friends, or reading books or articles on the internet.

According to the Chinese horoscope calendar, 2019 is the “Year of the Pig.” The pig represents “…wealth and generosity” (Source: https://chinesenewyear2019.org/horoscope/). 

That’s about as far as I’m going to go with the whole horoscope thing and instead I’ll focus on just the pig and the pork. 

The historic Rich Mountain Fire Lookout Tower has been restored, thanks to a collaborative effort from the Carolina Mountain Club, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, the Forest Fire Lookout Association and the U.S. Forest Service.

Seasonal road closures will soon begin in the Nantahala National Forest. Certain roads are closed each winter to help protect wildlife habitat, decrease wildlife disturbance, reduce road maintenance costs and protect public safety during long bouts of adverse weather. 

Chronic wasting disease has been preliminarily detected in western Tennessee, increasing the threat to deer and elk in Western North Carolina. 

Hydrilla, a highly invasive nonnative plant, has been found in the Deep River, covering a 90-acre area in Moore, Chatham and Lee counties. 

To the Editor:

Last Saturday, a group of merry elves paraded down the sidewalks of Main Street in Waynesville to pick up donations of blankets, hats and gloves to be distributed to elderly residents of Haywood County.

Carrie Keith, owner of Twigs and Leaves Gallery, assembled a group of 23 different merchants who willingly agreed to be drop off points for the donations. 

Mary Margaret Johnson and Julie Mulhern spearheaded the effort for the auxiliary board of Mountain Projects. These ladies assembled over 60 boxes from the donations. 

Members of the Tuscola High School Honor Society wrapped the large boxes, which were dropped off at the Mountain Projects Senior Resource Center to be delivered as Christmas presents to elderly residents in need of a little Christmas cheer. 

Many thanks to the participating merchants, members of the auxiliary of Mountain Projects, the Honor Society of Tuscola, the Senior Resource Center of Mountain Projects and of course, the merry elves for making Christmas a little brighter for our seniors!

Judy Dikes

Waynesville

To the Editor:  

I have somewhat followed the issues surrounding the Green Hill Cemetery. I have stayed out of this because we were notified of the rules concerning tombstones in 2009, and again in 2015. My family has been respectful of the rules, and has only placed flowers and flags in the allotted vases.  

However, I have recently become aware of the cemetery tours in Green Hill Cemetery. Not only do I find this extremely disrespectful, but I find this almost sickening.  

My grandparents, Haywood County natives belonging to farming families, started out as many young couples in the early 50’s. They did not have the money for appliances in their home. They saved and bought appliances one at a time, starting with a refrigerator. 

Once settled, they decided to start a family of their own. Unfortunately, their efforts were not as joyous as many. Pregnancy complications caused them to lose not one, but two babies. The first baby was born stillborn. Once they decided to finally try again, their second baby died about an hour after delivery. I can’t imagine the devastation, hurt, and frustration they must have felt. Burying one child would be absolutely devastating, but having to bury your second one would be earth shattering. As a young couple, paying for one funeral — let alone two — would be unimaginable. Luckily, years later they decided to try again, and my mother was born. They were finally blessed with the joy that they longed for.  

Both of my grandparents worked long hours to make ends meet. My grandfather, like many, retired from Dayco. He also did side work when available. My grandmother retired from Haywood County in 1996. They worked hard to provide a great life for my mother, and eventually myself and my brother. However, they were so busy providing that they never bought headstones for the babies. Buying the headstones was the one thing they mentioned for so long. As time went on, my grandfather became ill, suffering from diabetes. He eventually lost his eyesight and suffered from diabetic neuropathy and epilepsy. My grandmother cared for him until his death in 2009.  

My grandmother has always been an inspiration to me. I was extremely close to both grandparents, and spent time taking care of both of them until their deaths. Unfortunately, I suffered from the same pregnancy complications as my grandmother. Thankfully, due to the advancements in medicine, I was able to be monitored and had a successful delivery. My son was rushed to NICU, but is now a very happy and healthy five-year-old. I can remember my grandmother being terrified that I would loose my baby, as she had lost hers. After Brennen was born, she wanted to buy headstones for both of her babies. She finally met with someone; however, she passed away unexpectedly in 2015. It is my plan to eventually get headstones for the babies.  

The pictures I have seen of the tours appears that people walk freely in the graveyard. I am concerned that we have random people walking freely over top of the babies. I understand that it might not be known that the babies are there. However, I’m sure that more children or people may be buried there that don’t have headstones either. I feel as though it is extremely disrespectful to offer tours and have people walking freely and not on paths, just to make a few dollars.

Is nothing considered sacred any longer? How do we fix this?  

Meagan Mintz

Located in Waynesville, the renowned Haywood Arts Regional Theatre received an early Christmas present when the organization was awarded the prestigious “Community Theatre of the Year Award” for 2018 from the North Carolina Theatre Conference. 

Every year it’s fun to predict what will be the new food fads or trends. This year “plant-based” is the term du jour and more products are reflecting that trend…or is it only a short term fad? Let me know what you think!

As of Jan. 1 the quarantine area for the imported fire ant will include Davidson, Orange and Vance counties, meaning that 75 counties will be included in the quarantine. 

Fees will increase at 24 sites on the Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests beginning Jan. 1. For sites that are closed seasonally, fees will take effect on the first open day of the year. 

To the Editor:

This is a letter to our dear Gov. Cooper.

I couldn’t agree with you more. Pure genius. It is far better to have a firm and steady hand in the governorship that can veto the will of the people than allowing the democratic process to play out. Why would you foolishly allow your population to decide their own future as it is enshrined in that dusty, outdated old document this country was founded upon? After all, everyone knows it was written by a bunch of old white guys. We also know what a true crime it would be to allow the ignorant masses to live with their mistakes when your administration can save them from the error of their ways. 

It’s obvious the 55 percent majority of people in North Carolina that actually voted for a law requiring people to have an ID to vote didn’t really understand what they were doing. After all, an identification card is only something required for plane travel, train travel, bus travel, banking, registering a car, driving a car, going on a cruise, cashing a check, getting a library card, entering a school, purchasing an evil gun, taking a government handout and so many other daily events. 

No, I say. I say the majority in your state have no right to expect a voice in government when we have such brilliant and dedicated politicians as yourself standing strong and ready to override such a foolish expectation. Thank goodness you’re there at the apex of the ruling class in North Carolina.

I say bravo, Gov. Cooper, for protecting your minions from the scourge of democracy and self-rule. And with this veto, you’ve taken a few steps closer to a wondrous dictatorship. If the people don’t like that, then take their evil guns away and force them to submit. That’s what the Democratic party is really all about now, isn’t it? And when it’s all said and done, you’ll be invited to oh so many street dances in Asheville. Perhaps you can even take part in a drum circle, if you can find a place to park, that is.

Bruce Fields

(previously of Clyde)

Looking for an easy to use eating plan that’s not a fad diet with a long list of foods you can’t eat?

The N.C. Clean Water Management Trust Fund awarded $20 million for conservation projects across the state this fall, with much of that money going to Western North Carolina. 

A cold, rainy day made for a muddy course on the inaugural Headwaters Half Marathon Saturday, Dec. 1, in Panthertown Valley. 

The current administration is in the process of trying to erase transgender/cisgender people. If they have their way they will define gender as biologically incontrovertible, determined by genitalia at birth. This definition will exist in title IX, the federal civil rights law that bans gender discrimination in education programs that get government financial assistance. It will also inform section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act, which investigates medical discrimination based on sex, in which sex includes gender identity and presentation. It would effectively relieve doctors of any obligation respect gender that may differ from genitalia at birth. 

To the Editor

The works of Bethel Rural Community Organization (BRCO) seem to have flooded the news lately. A full page in the Dec. 5-11 issue of Smoky Mountain News and four BRCO articles in December’s Haywood Vicinitus has piqued a lot of interest among readers. 

Cory Vaillancourt’s interesting report on our DVD documenting the history of Sunburst and other logging operations plus his well-researched full-page article, “Sunburst – a Short History” has helped produce a flood of on-line orders for the DVD. Readers want to learn what the short history could not tell.

If Cory had been able to garner another half page for BRCO, he may have reported that our organization president, Carroll Jones, is an award-winning author and has written several historical non-fiction and fiction books about Haywood County. SMN readers will remember the articles that reported on Carroll’s most recent book, Thomson’s Pulp Mill, that unveils the history of Canton’s original pulp mill. 

BRCO members, as Cory meticulously reported, are eager to preserve the rich history of the area. BRCO thanks SMN for Cory’s time and well-done reporting.

Ted Carr

Bethel

On Nov. 28, Matthew William Ray, 25, of Waynesville, was found guilty of trafficking in opiates by possessing and transporting illicit hydrocodone pills after a two-day trial in Haywood County Superior Court. 

Newman R. Sigman, 55, of Franklin, pled guilty to first degree arson and driving while impaired and was sentenced to a maximum term of 94 months in the Division of Adult Corrections. 

More than 150 Haywood County Schools fourth- and fifth-grade students chased after zooming robots at the Wolfpack Robothon on Friday, November 30.

After a year-long process of designing, SCC Mechatronics student Scott Mitchell donated his SWAT Robot project to Jackson County Sherriff’s Office.

It’s important not to neglect our health and fitness during the holidays.

By Danny Davis • Guest Columnist

I wish to express my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all of you who voted for and supported me in my recent campaign for Haywood County commissioner. I am indeed humbled by the 10,916 votes I received. Unfortunately, we fell short by 471 votes. The people of this county have spoken and I respect their decision and congratulate the new board. It was great making new friends and renewing old friendships. I will be forever grateful to my wife, my children, my family and friends. I worked as hard as I could and have no regrets. 

To the Editor:

Paul Manafort, President Trump’s former campaign chairman, continues to lie, even after he pled guilty to 175 pages of exceedingly detailed evidence of a multiplicity of federal and state crimes, such as state tax evasion, fraud, money laundering, etc. The inclusion of the enumerated state crimes means that when the Virginia attorney general brings those charges in a state court, Manafort has already agreed under oath that he is guilty.

Manafort was already facing what is effectively a life sentence even if he had cooperated fully. Going fallaciously through the motions of cooperating with Special Counsel Robert Mueller was likely a signal to Trump for a potential pardon. We know now that Trump and Manafort have been in contact to coordinate stories and buy time. 

Having now received Trump’s written responses to queries from the special counsel, Mueller will compare Manafort’s lies to Trump’s anticipated lies. If they match, then Trump is guilty of witness tampering and obstruction. Trump and Manafort have just enough hubris and idiocy to try it.

What a sad day for us all when federal prosecutors can make their case because they can assume without challenge that our president is a liar. 

John Barry

Cartoogechaye

An $8,000 grant will benefit hemlock trees growing in the Green River Gorge, hopefully saving them from the deadly hemlock wooly adelgid. 

Sylva’s newest outdoors store will hold a grand opening party noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, at 562 West Main Street. 

In response to a Nov. 5 federal court ruling that found the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s rollback of protections for wild red wolves “operate(d) to violate [the Fish and Wildlife Service’s] mandate to recover this species in the wild,” the Fish and Wildlife Service announced Nov. 30 that it would extend its review of a proposed red wolf management rule. 

Tribal members received the largest per capita distribution ever released from casino profits when payments of $7,007 were released Monday, Dec. 3, bringing the yearly distribution for 2018 to $12,559 before taxes.