Catch the Spirit of Appalachia will be hosting a day of Western North Carolina culture from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 14, at the Folkmoot USA Fellowship Hall in Waynesville.

American Gonzos will perform as part of the Summer Concert Series at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 11, in the Central Plaza at Western Carolina University.

To the Editor:

First, and foremost, I want to thank you for the article in The Smoky Mountain News, your May 27 edition on page 10, regarding the new bistro opening in Dillsboro.

Please allow me to make a few corrections that I feel necessary. The title was “Greek Bistro opens in Dillsboro;” my preference would be “A New Bistro in Town. ” I am uncomfortable with the title Greek Bistro. Our bistro is not exclusive to Greek dishes.

The first line, “A taste of Greece arrived in Dillsboro last week with the opening of Coach’s,” is incorrect. Dillsboro has had for 15 years a family owned Greek restaurant, Kostas, just across the street and has served some outstanding dishes for many years with many happy clients, one of those being myself, and other members of my staff at the Jarrett House and Coach’s.  

Constantine Roumel

Dillsboro

To the Editor:

Have you noticed when officeholders (elected or unelected) are attempting to wiggle out from responsibility for some scandal they always say “to the best of my recollection …?” Despite the statement that “I do not believe anyone shirked their responsibility,” all of these (and more) pronouncements are so much gobbledygook coming from the Jackson County manager. He can’t hide the fact that it has always been (and still is) his job to know what his department heads are doing and to take appropriate action by voice (face-to-face is best) and memorandum to insure that they not only know what their job duties are, especially regarding enforcement of county ordinances, but to make sure that they perform these mandated duties.

The evidence strongly suggests that this minimum level of management skills has not been performed by the county manager for some time. Perhaps never. And he’s putting $10,000 a month of yours and my money in his pocket for over four years now — laughing all the way to the bank!

I laughed out loud several times as I read The Smoky Mountain News piece (“Jackson to contract audit of permitting department”, SMN, May 27, 2015) about how the chairman and other commissioners were desperately trying to assign blame to the chosen scapegoat (Tony Elders) despite the fact that the county manager verbally claims that the responsibility for enforcement of the mountain hillside and development ordinance hasn’t been assigned to anyone, ever.

The latest round of political chicanery which erupted upon news of this latest scandal breaking strongly indicates to me that the chairman is worried about this latest embarrassment sticking to him and derailing his grandiose future political aspirations. I would be worried, mister chairman, as you “doth protest too much, methinks” in that your casting false aspersions upon Elders by intimating that the audit that you’re going to spend perhaps $50,000 of taxpayer money on is not an investigation (when it really is) but also by using this as an attempt to misdirect and cover up your responsibility for not insuring that the county manager is actually doing his job. This is an exercise in juvenile political gamesmanship, ultimately futile, and certainly fiscally irresponsible.

Upon learning that one or both of the department heads (Green and Elders) weren’t performing their duties regarding the hillside and development ordinance, the county manager should have immediately determined just exactly who was responsible for enforcing the ordinance, spoke to both of the department heads face-to-face, and sent both a memorandum in regards to how the manager’s policy. But no, it doesn’t seem that this minimum level of management was performed.

The chairman of the county commissioners is also to blame for not ensuring that the county manager was doing his job. Oh well, what is new there? 

This is common sense government? I don’t think so. But not to worry there will be even more exciting uncommon scandals to come and even more comedic entertainment provided to Jackson County political observers. You can’t make this stuff up. It’s the “greatest show on earth!” Which side are you on?

Carl Iobst

Cullowhee

Members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians will have free opportunities to attend UNC Asheville as part of an instructional credit agreement that was signed by the university and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

The agreement, signed in English and Cherokee, will reserve up to 10 admissions slots for new, incoming, academically qualified EBCI members each semester. The EBCI will cover the students’ cost of attendance and UNC Asheville will grant in-state residence status to all students receiving full EBCI scholarships.

UNCA will assist students in forming an American Indian Science and Engineering Society Chapter and faculty will begin collaboration on curricular programming opportunities such as Cherokee language instruction and courses in Native American Studies.

Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle, executive director of the Cherokee Preservation Foundation, submitted her resignation to the board and staff effective July 6. 

An enrolled member of the EBCI, Clapsaddle will return to the classroom as a teacher at Swain County High School and continue her creative writing. 

“Annette brought her intelligence and skill set to the position and served the CPF well. We are sad she is leaving but happy she is going back to teaching and inspiring our young people,” said Luke D. Hyde, chairman of the CPF’s board.

Hyde will lead a transition committee to begin a national search for a new executive director. 

www.cherokeepreservation.org.

By Katie Reeder • SMN Intern 

A great restaurant at a great location in a great town — it’s all part of The Imperial’s appeal, according to the restaurant’s assistant manager Monte Bumberknick.

By Katie Reeder • SMN Intern 

Some opponents of North Carolina’s new voting law claim it negatively impacts college students because of provisions that cut the early voting period and do not allow students to use their campus photo identification cards as a valid form of identification to vote. Students at Western Carolina University were asked their thoughts on the new law.

QUESTION: I noticed that CELLULOSE is listed as an ingredient in my shredded cheese. What is that? 

ANSWER: Cellulose is part of the cell wall of all plants and is classified as a carbohydrate. Humans cannot digest cellulose so it’s is known as an indigestible or insoluble fiber. If you’ve ever taken a fiber supplement you might have seen cellulose listed as an ingredient.

Western North Carolina was well represented in the round of annual conservation awards bestowed by the state’s 24 land trusts. 

The N.C. Land Trust Awards recognized 11 individuals or organizations for efforts to protect the state’s land. Among them were:

• Paul Carlson of Franklin, who just ended 18 years as executive director of Land Trust for the Little Tennessee, which he founded. 
• Carolina Mountain Club, whose volunteers have poured hours of labor into trail building and maintenance. 
• Sheila Gasperson, a long-time employee of the Blue Ridge Parkway who has staunchly supported land protection projects along that corridor.

A coalition of trail-loving organizations will join forces to celebrate National Trails Day with an opportunity to work on the Appalachian Trail Saturday, June 6.

A draft plan for sustainable river access on the upper segment of the Chattooga Wild and Scenic River is now open for review. 

The plan stems from a years-long fight to allow paddling on the upper waters of the Chattooga, ending a longstanding ban. Opponents had feared paddlers would diminish the wilderness experience and cause lasting environmental damage to the river, but in 2012, the decision to end the ban was finalized. Now the U.S. Forest Service must determine the specifics of how the river may now be used. 

Included in the plan is a decision to replace 19 miles of “eroding, unsafe, unmaintained user-created trails crisscrossing the banks of this wild and scenic river” with 1.63 miles of “sustainable foot trails,” said Chattooga River District Ranger Ed Hunter.

In North Carolina, those trails include:

• 0.28 miles at the Greens Creek put-in.
• 1.2 miles at the County Line put-in and take-out.
• 400 feet at the Bullpen Bridge put-in and take-out.

The plan will soon embark on a 45-day formal objection period, which is expected to begin with legal publications in area newspapers this week. 

The plan is online at www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=42568.

The Mt. Le Conte Backcountry Shelter and trails to the popular Cliff Tops area have re-opened following closure due to a May 17 encounter with an aggressive bear.

The Solarize WNC program — an effort to connect people interested in converting to solar energy with the resources to do so — is starting to see some success, with one solar contract signed and two more pending.

Coal will no longer be the cornerstone of power production in Asheville when Duke Energy completes a newly announced $1.1 billion plan to retire its coal-fired power plant and construct a natural gas plant and solar farm in its place. 

The switchover, planned to be mostly complete by the end of 2019, will increase the plant’s capacity from 376 to 650 megawatts — important given that Duke Energy Progress’s Asheville service area has doubled over the last four decades, forcing the company to import about 400 megawatts of power during peak demand.  

Despite the increased production, pollution is expected to decrease. Mercury output will be eliminated, sulfur dioxide will decrease 90 to 95 percent, water withdrawal by 97 percent, water discharge by 50 percent and nitrogen oxide by 35 percent. Carbon dioxide emissions will decrease by about 60 percent per-megawatt-hour. 

The new station will also be cheaper to run, costing about 35 percent less based on today’s natural gas prices. 

The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy is applauding the move.

“Ceasing to burn coal at this plant, in combination with the planned cleanup of the plant’s coal ash storage ponds under the Coal Ash Management Act of 2014, will dramatically lower the risks this plant’s toxic coal ash poses to the river and reduce air pollution,” said Stephen A. Smith, the organization’s executive director. 

However, Smith pointed out, Duke has not specified the size of the solar farm to be installed. He encourages them to invest in something substantial. 

“We remain hopeful it will be a truly substantial investment in solar,” he said. “As other utilities have demonstrated, solar power can be effectively used to reduce the amount of natural gas burned during daylight hours.” 

Gourd artists from around the world will again be ‘gathering’ at the 13th annual Gourd Artists Gathering and Art Festival May 29-31 in Cherokee.

The second traditional Appalachian talent showcase, the Heritage Alive! Mountain Youth Talent Contest, was held at the Bluegrass Festival May 16 at the Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center in Robbinsville.

Bluegrass superstars Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder, Rhonda Vincent & The Rage, and Dailey & Vincent will headline the Cherokee Bluegrass Festival June 4-6 at the Happy Holiday RV Village and Campground.

American bluegrass master Jesse McReynolds welcomed Haywood County’s own The Crowe Brothers to the Grand Ole Opry stage in Nashville on May 16. 

Cowee Pottery School June classes

A nonprofit located in the Macon County Heritage Center in Franklin, the Cowee Pottery School has announced the June schedule of events.

• Daytime pottery wheel classes for beginners will be taught by Doug Hubbs on Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon June 3-26. Hank Shuler and Lydia Patillo will teach an evening class from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays June 1-25. Each of the classes will focus on basic throwing techniques, trimming, and glazing. A limited number of students can be accepted. The Hubbs' class will cost $168; the Shuler/Patillo class, $140.

• Coinciding with the Cowee Farmers Market is a Tuesday evening class in appetizers and trays. Maria Greene will be teaching students to hand-build appetizer trays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays June 2-30, for a registration fee of $42. On the last evening, the class will share appetizer recipes and dishes.

• Carmen Holland offers a hand-building class on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 3 to July 1. Students are encouraged to complete assigned projects but may work on projects of their own choosing. Unlike other classes, students may opt to pay $21 weekly as they attend the classes or $105 at the first class meeting.

• Hank Shuler will be teaching students to hand-build wacky teapots in a Sunday afternoon class from 1:30 to 5 p.m. June 7-28. Students will build and glaze one or two teapots during this class, which will cost $98.

• Registered students will also have an opportunity to attend open studio time to work on their projects. The studio hours include Sundays from 12:30 to 4 p.m., Mondays and Thursdays from 6 to 8:30 p.m., Tuesdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m., and Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon.

www.coweepotteryschool.org or 828.524.7690 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Discounted Penland classes for WNC residents

Penland School of Crafts has open spaces in a number workshops in its second summer session available at half tuition to residents of the following Western North Carolina counties: Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Cherokee, Graham, Clay, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, and Yancey. Regular room and board charges apply, but students are not required to stay on campus. 

Summer session two runs June 7-19 with openings in clay, painting, hot glass, iron, metals, printmaking, letterpress, weaving, wood, and design. This session will have a special accent (literaly) because all of the workshops are being taught by faculty from Austrlian National University. To see the list of what’s available, click on the Open Summer Workshops link on the Penland School homepage: www.penland.org. 

The glass class requires previous experience; the other open classes are available to students of any skill level. To enroll, call the Penland registrar at 828.765.2359 (ext 15). The Penland Standby Program offers discounts to area residents who take unfilled spaces in Penland classes shortly before the classes begin.

To the Editor:

Referring to a recent letter to the editor, the writer suggested that anything or any opinion that disagreed with his/her own was a lie and that folks should avoid watching Fox News. I can’t help but wonder where all these attempts at censorship are going to lead us?

In Russia, Venezuela and other countries too numerous to name, one can end up in jail for being critical of the government or challenging those that run their country.

I have no doubt that if they could, some liberals and leftists would gladly flip a switch and shut down any television or print media they disagree with. And lately, the illiberal left has been showing their male intolerance for women who work at Fox News, referring to them as “dumb blondes.”

A Duke University professor is being fired because he made the connection that Asian immigrants tend to use American names for their kids but black Americans tend to use African or Muslim names for their kids. To him, it meant that black Americans were failing to assimilate but Asians were. Understanding a problem was censored.

There are some eternal problems in censoring opposing ideas and opinions. First of all, whose opinion is the right opinion? Does anyone really have all the answers and has anyone figured out exactly and precisely what’s best for humanity?

Over the years I’ve had the pleasure to meet many highly talented and intelligent people in my life but sadly, their knowledge was limited to narrow fields and lacked wisdom outside their field of endeavor.  Obviously, no one has a handle on wisdom.

All this tells us that we need to keep open minds and listen to all media.

So yes, continue to watch Fox News, MSNBC, Al Jazeera, CNN and all the rest lest you suffer the fate of being narrow minded and having a closed mind. North Korea is a good example of when some idiotic “Great Mind” is pulling all the strings.

Surely, most are intelligent enough to weigh all factors and don’t need to be told what to watch or read, much less what to think. Challenge those who would censor you.

Bob Wilson   

Franklin

To the Editor:

Our Last Shot Fired May weekend, titled “The Battle of Waynesville and the Surrender of the Western NC Army” was a great success. The Shelton House wishes to thank all who turned out and all involved. We couldn’t have done it without you! Thanks in particular to The Smoky Mountain News and all the people and organizations for their generous participation in and support of our commemoration of the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War in Haywood County.

Malinda Messer

Operations Manger

Historic Shelton House, Waynesvill

To the Editor:

I read with dismay that the Jackson County school system was planning to waste more money on drug testing students. Not only is this a waste of money, it detracts from efforts that could actually provide benefits to students with substance-related problems.

During the past 35 years my career has included evaluating addiction programs, designing surveys to monitor prevalence of various behavioral health issues, and critically considering the scientific literature on prevention and treatment of substance use disorders.

I know of no credible evidence that drug testing high school students achieves any substantial benefits, such as reducing the prevalence of use. This is especially true when the policy is to test only those students with the least likelihood of having a serious problem. Athletes and students in other extracurricular activities are probably the least likely to have a problem with substances. If you want to find the students with a real problem, a better strategy would be to test those with unexcused absences and/or other behavioral issues.

Jackson County has spent almost $2,000 per positive drug test toward what end? Were any of the positive cases evaluated by a qualified addiction professional to determine if the positive test was related to a serious problem or just casual use? If the school system plans to spend more than the $9,000 it has already budgeted on drug issues, it would be advised to spend it on contracting with qualified professionals to evaluate students with absences, behavioral issues, or low grades.

If they want to get ahead of the game with regard to drugs, start taking a close look at students in middle school who smoke. Nicotine is the real gateway drug. We have found that students who start smoking cigarettes or using smokeless tobacco early in middle school are more likely to use alcohol and other drugs in high school. They are also more likely to have unexcused absences and low grades. A proactive strategy for identifying at risk students and implementing appropriate strategies and interventions is more likely to yield positive results.

Drug issues, like all complex problems, have no simple answers. Based on the evidence, the people who benefit most from drug testing students are the people who sell and analyze the tests – not the students.

Norman G. Hoffmann, Ph.D.

President, Evince Clinical Assessments

Waynesville

District Court Judge Donna Forga received Haywood Community College’s Outstanding Alumni Award for 2015.

By Katie Reeder • SMN intern

A taste of Greece arrived in Dillsboro last week with the opening of Coach’s.

One of the Southeast’s premier raptor presentations, “Wings to Soar,” will bring birds of prey to the old gym of the Highlands School in what is described as an entertaining and informative program at 7 p.m. on May 26.

The fascinating and complex world of carnivorous plants is the subject of the newest exhibit at the N.C. Arboretum in Asheville.

The Swain Soil and Water Conservation District is in the process of creating a mobile, walk-through exhibit focusing on soil resources. Soil resources are often not presented to the same caliber as other natural resources, and are frequently overlooked or abused.

Two tracts of land with headwater streams have been placed in conservation easements with the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy.

The Icy Cliff Knob easement is for 265 acres in the Little Sandy Mush Community of Madison County. It protects forestland with biological diversity and the headwaters of Morrow Branch, which flows into Sandy Mush Creek, a major tributary of the French Broad River. 

The Early View easement is for 108 acres near Worley’s Cove in Big Sandy Mush. It protects headwater tributaries of Sandy Mush Creek, as well as scenic views and 39 acres of agricultural land.

For information, contact SAHC at 828.253.0095.

Haywood Waterways Association and Haywood Cooperative Extension Service have 55-gallon rain barrels for sale.

To the Editor:

My family and I were enjoying a meal at a local buffet restaurant (on Mothers Day 10 at approximately 3:30 p.m. The restaurant was moderately crowded. We were seated about 15 feet from the cash register area. At one point during our meal we were startled by the sound of breaking glass. A patron was standing in line to pay for her meal and dropped a bag containing a piece of glassware. Of course we all looked over to see what was going on.

She was holding a baby carrier on one arm and her other arm was laden with other items minus the bag which she dropped. There was some conversation among her party and other people waiting to pay their check. She nonchalantly stated: “I will just take it back to Burke’s and tell them it was broken when I bought it and get another one.”  

I was shocked. Did I hear her correctly? She was going to return to the store and ask them to exchange something she carelessly broke long after the purchase? What a thief.

I immediately excused myself from my table, called 411 to get the phone number and phoned Burke’s Outlet to warn them of their impending deception. I explained to the manager the sequence of events and to expect a visit by this thief. After we finished our meal and headed back home, I called Burke’s again and the manager confirmed she was visited by the thief. She said the thief was acting nervous and after concluding her deceit was discovered stated, “I must have gotten it at Walmart” and departed the store. 

People wonder why things cost so much. Not only do we have to pay for the cost of development, manufacturing, distribution and selling we now have to pay for theft. This is common theft at its best.

Madam, my hope for you is you fall to your knees and beg your God to forgive you. Then call the store and ask them to forgive you too. 

Douglas Turner

Clyde

To the Editor:

The Waynesville Public Art Commission would specifically like to thank Waynesville town employees Dave Foster, Daryl Hannah, Jonathan Yates and Bill Litty and all of the men who worked with Daryl Hannah when they were installing each of our seven pieces of art. Without their very careful handling of each of our art pieces we would not have the art pieces installed in their places and look as great as they do! We are very fortunate to have these very special men who serve Waynesville as conscientiously as they do! Thanks to all of these gentlemen.

Jan Griffin

Waynesville Public Art Commission

To the Editor:

Fast Track legislation that was prepared in secret by some 600 lobbyists of the largest transnational corporations will give permission for the passage of the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP). This legislation, often referred to as the North American Fair Trade Agreement (NAFTA) on steroids, is now before Congress.  

On May 12 the Senate voted to deny debate on the proposed legislation but advocates (including Obama) insist that it be brought back to the floor. The House has yet to take action. NAFTA was a job and economy killer and the TPP is much worse. This bi-partisan effort to bring more grief to the working people of this country must be stopped.

Reuters reports (blogs.reuters.com-/great-debate/2015/02/16/as-free-trade-pacts-expand-u-s-trade-deficit-soars-why-add-one-more/) that over “5 million U.S. manufacturing jobs — one in four — have been lost since NAFTA and other post-NAFTA expansion deals, all enacted through fast track.” The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports www.bls.gov/news.-release/disp.t07) that three out of five displaced workers who were fortunate enough to find new employment earn less money now than before NAFTA. A full one-third of displaced workers took pay cuts of 20 percent or more.

Sen. Tom Tillis, R-N.C., and Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C., voted yea for the fast track legislation. From all indications, Rep. Mark Meadows, R-Cashiers, is in support. If this legislation passes it will give President Obama unfettered authority without full congressional approval to unilaterally enter into the TPP and other similar trade agreements. It is time that we the people have our voices heard.  Please contact your representatives via phone, email, and letter. Let them know that the TPP is bad for local business, bad for jobs, and bad for our economy. Ask them to vote No on fast track authorization. 

Allen Lomax

Sylva

By Jason Love • Guest Columnist

I am writing on behalf of the Western North Carolina Public Lands Council, an advisory group appointed by the governor whose mission is to promote the protection, conservation, and sustainability of Western North Carolina’s natural and economic resources.

The Jackson County Planning Board will have a new face at the table with the appointment of Bonnie Claxton, a Sylva attorney with Legal Aid for North Carolina who previously worked with Coward, Hicks & Siler. 

“She wants to do this and it’s not an easy job, but I think she will be very good in the position,” said Jackson County Commissioner Boyce Dietz, who made the recommendation. 

Claxton will replace Ben Burgin, who had not participated in board activities for the past year or responded to communications, warranting his removal, Chairman Brian McMahan said. 

“That is a very important board that meets on a regular basis,” McMahan said. “It’s very important to have people at the table making those decisions.”

— By Holly Kays, staff writer

Event promoters may soon be able to advertise by hanging a banner across Main Street in Franklin.

The Franklin board of alderman approved a special banner policy at its May board meeting after being asked by merchants in March to consider the possibility. Larry Hollifield, owner of American Computer Repair in Franklin, told commissioners in March that allowing banners would be an inexpensive way for event organizers to promote their events and draw more people to downtown.

Theoretically, a new homeless shelter that opened across town in Hazelwood last fall should have made things better for Frog Level’s homeless plight.

Local NAACP chapters in Haywood and Jackson counties are holding workshops to educate the public on North Carolina’s new voter ID laws and to prepare them to attend an upcoming N.C. Board of Elections public hearing in Sylva.

A screening of the documentary “First Language: The Race to Save Cherokee” at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 28, at the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva.

Comedy legend Jay Leno will perform at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 30, at Harrah’s Cherokee.

The Blues, Brew and BBQ festival will be from 4:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday, May 23, at the Village Green in Cashiers.

Acclaimed bluegrass groups Lonesome River Band and Mountain Faith will perform at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 30, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin.

QUESTION: I heard there’s a Taste of Local next week at one of your stores. Is it free? Who will be there?

ANSWER: Our next Taste of Local event is at the Ingles in Waynesville on Barber Blvd., Thursday, May 21st 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Expect to see about 17 or more local farmers and vendors there! At this FREE event you’ll be able to meet the farmers and vendors and sample their products.

First Maggie Valley Creek clean is May 30

The inaugural Maggie Valley Community Creek Clean will take place at 10 a.m. on May 30 in Jonathan Creek.

Trophies and yearlong bragging rights will be awarded for the most interesting pieces of trash found and for the most trash reclaimed. Individuals and teams are encouraged to participate.

Bags will be provided by Haywood Waterways.

For information and to sign up contact the Maggie Valley Town Hall at 828.926.0866. 

The Haywood County Cooperative Extension Service is seeking gardens to include in its 2016 Haywood County Garden Tour.

Anyone who has a garden that might be included or knows someone who has a garden that deservers to be showcased can contact Sarah Scott at the Extension Center.

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 828.456.3575.

The Merrell Adventure 5K Dash and 1K Fun Run will be held Saturday, May 23, along the Nantahala River near Bryson City.

A float trip down the Little Tennessee River on May 16 is being sponsored by two land conservation organizations, the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust and the Land Trust for the Little Tennessee (LTLT).