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.    

As you walk through your local Ingles Market, why do you buy certain products and not others? Do you have a list in your hand, on your phone or just in your mind… or do you look for inspiration as you walk through the aisles? Do you look for certain labels? Do you check prices or ingredients? 

Super Holiday Tours has organized a special six-night package Nov. 23-29 in New York City to see Western Carolina University’s Pride of the Mountains Marching Band participate in the 2019 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday, Nov. 28. 

Lately there seems to be a lot of name calling when it comes to food. Your friends or neighbors may claim they are trying to "eat clean" or say that they pick foods with "clean ingredients."

By Bob Scott • Guest Columnist

Five years ago, as mayor, I was placed in the position of defending the Town of Franklin against undue criticism of the town’s stewardship of the Nikwasi Mound. I am again in that position as the recently formed 501 C(3) Nikwasi Initiative has asked the Town to deed the Mound to the Initiative to “give the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians joint ownership with us and ensure that, in perpetuity, they share equally with us in its care and preservation.” (I am not sure whether the ‘us’ is the town or the Initiative).

To the Editor:

More than one million North Carolinians have no health insurance. Many fall in what is known as the “Medicaid coverage gap” — they cannot afford to buy health insurance without fear of bankruptcy. The majority are working adults, between 18 and 64 years of age, without dependent children. Most live paycheck to paycheck. Many hold two or more part-time jobs. All of us have a family member or neighbor who lives in the gap, playing Russian roulette with their health. Expanding Medicaid will help close the coverage gap, can save lives and preserve the health of working families across Western North Carolina. 

 The Medicaid coverage gap hits rural areas like our mountain home especially hard. Medicaid expansion can bring billions of federal dollars to the state. We are one of 14 states that has rejected Medicaid expansion. Here’s how it works. The federal government pays 90 percent of the costs of expansion while N.C. would pay just 10 percent of the tab. Right now, our citizens pay federal taxes but the state does not receive the 90 percent subsidy back. Basically, we are giving away our hard-earned tax dollars to the 36 states that have expanded Medicaid. It makes no sense to give all that money away. 

Medicaid expansion would bring increased medical care to people with chronic conditions like diabetes or kidney disease. This would not only saves lives but result in fewer health crises, ER visits and hospital days. This saves money for all N.C. citizens. Treatment options for people with mental health issues is critical. Medicaid expansion is exactly what is needed to combat our growing opioid crisis. Out of desperation, people with untreated medical/mental health issues often self-medicate with alcohol, illegal or illicit drugs. In addition to improved health outcomes, Medicaid expansion will help to keep our rural hospitals open. This will bring jobs and with it, a boost to the local economy. 

Please contact your N.C. Senate and House representatives to support Medicaid expansion. It makes sense. It brings money to our state. It saves lives and livelihoods. It brings jobs. We can do better.

Elaine Slocumb

Bryson City

To the Editor:

In the news story “Constituents of color: Meadows defense of Trump angers many,” published in the SMN edition March 13, the title says it all. The animosity expressed in the article against Rep. Mark Meadows has everything to do with his support of President Donald Trump. 

When asked what he (Meadows) “could do better and what can he do in the future to mend fences,”  the answer from one of those interviewed was, “I think he could have done it better by not coming to the defense of the President.” 

It seems in case after case criticism of any Trump supporter is based on just that, their support for Donald Trump. Beyond the anti-Trump accusations, nothing else is credible.

Further on in the article, after denouncing Meadows for his role in the Michael Cohen Congressional hearing and his support of President Trump, interviewees and the writer question Meadows’ ability to represent constituents of color. I assume this opinion is because he is white, as is his Congressional district — the other side of the racist coin.  

That claim is expanded because Meadows’ district is described as gerrymandered in his favor. It is remarkable that Democrats are so anti-gerrymandering now that they are out of power in the N.C. legislature after 100 years of control where they did the very same type of gerrymandering. 

Rep. Meadows congressional record shows no support for any legislation that can be construed as against his constituency … unless of course the support of President Donald Trump’s agenda is interpreted as anti-constituency. That Trump agenda has achieved lowest unemployment numbers for workers — including minorities — a historic tax cut that put more earnings in paychecks, a booming economy, better trade deals favorable to the United States, U.S. energy independence, fewer Americans on food stamps, foreign policy that has reduced ISIS to little threat, halting North Korean missile firings and national protection with increased border patrols and illegal migrant control by vowing to finish the wall. Thank you Rep. Meadows for supporting President Trump and his agenda. Hating Trump and his supporters is tedious, trite, erroneous and way overplayed.

Carol Adams

Glenville

To the Editor:

A recent columnist claimed that their church embraces LGBTQ members. Well, my church welcomes LGBTQ as well. But rather than celebrate what is broken, we pray the LGBTQ, and all the broken, will seek reconciliation and healing. 

It breaks my heart to see people desperately clinging to that which the Bible very clearly says will separate them from God. As it relates to homosexuals, nowhere in the Bible does it speak of homosexual acts in a positive or acceptable light. But nowhere in the Bible does it say any of our acts are right with God. Each one of us is born broken, and our best are like dirty rags to God (Isaiah 34). Our brokenness separates us from God and prevents us from living the life He would have us live. The only person to ever be whole was Jesus Christ, our only hope for reconciliation with God. 

God’s love for us does not change our need to obey his commands. God calls us to give ourselves and all our brokenness to Him — our idolatry, selfishness, greed, gluttony and sexual immorality (including adultery, lust and homosexual acts). We are all born with these to some level. It is who we are. We must give them over to God who loves us so much, He died for us even while we were separated. He loves us so much, He made a way for us to be reconciled (John 3). 

And since we are all broken, we are all in the same situation. None of us can think of ourselves as better than anyone else. It should be our life’s goal to lead everyone we can to Jesus, our only hope of reconciliation. There is no room for hate ... of anyone. God created each of us in His image, so we all deserve the same respect as humans and the same hope as broken people. 

Jesus thought so. That is why He came to earth and showed love to everyone. But as with the woman at the well and the woman accused of adultery (John 4 and 8), He expected them to change from what they were to what He called them to be — whole and holy. 

So let’s show dignity and respect to all humans. But also, let’s not embrace our brokenness but embrace the healing that God so desperately wants us all to have. He loves us too much to do anything else. 

David Onder

Waynesville

A recently conserved 50-acre property is the third conservation easement that George Rector and Joan Byrd have donated to Mainspring Conservation Trust in the past five years. 

Western Carolina University’s Police Department needs help identifying a person who may have been involved in discharging a firearm near the South Baseball Lot on campus around 9 p.m. Monday, March 25.