Word from the Smokies: Cherokee artist weaves strands of place and culture

Written by
Tuesday, 25/11/2025

In October 2019, Rhiannon Skye Tafoya was a year out of her master’s program and excited to begin an art residency at the Women’s Studio Workshop in Rosendale, New York. Tafoya, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and Santa Clara Pueblo, planned to use her time there to create an artist book. 

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Jackson TDA releases new birding guide

Written by
Tuesday, 26/08/2025

The Jackson County Tourism Development Authority (TDA) announced the launch of its Birding in Jackson County guide — a free, full-color publication designed to help locals and visitors discover one of the most engaging outdoor activities the region has to offer. 

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Cheers to 26 years of Smoky Mountain News

Written by
Wednesday, 11/06/2025

My office is cool and our building on Montgomery Street in Waynesville is quiet. Almost everyone who works at The Smoky Mountain News has gone home for a few minutes to tend to kids, dogs, wives and husbands as it’s one hour before the annual first Friday in June birthday bash celebrating another year of putting out this weekly print newspaper (and now a seven-day-per-week news website).  

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Partner content: On Omega 3’s
Ask Leah! The Ingles Dietitian
Partner content: On Omega 3’s

What are omega 3-fatty acids? They are polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA’s) that can be found in various foods.

What are the health benefits? There have been a variety of claims about the benefits of omega 3-fatty acids from heart health, eye health and reducing inflammation to reducing risk of certain cancers, however, most of this is not conclusive and is based on observational data. 

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Partner content: Taste of Local
Ask Leah! The Ingles Dietitian
Partner content: Taste of Local

Thursday, December 11 • 3pm-6pm — Black Mountain (550 NC-9)

• Dynamite Roasting

• Sunburst Trout

• Hickory Nut Gap Meats 

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Partner content: Drink Up!: Local Beverages for your Holiday Table
Ask Leah! The Ingles Dietitian
Partner content: Drink Up!: Local Beverages for your Holiday Table

If you’re looking for some non-alcoholic beverage ideas for your holiday guests,  here are some local ones to consider:

• Asheville Tea Company (Asheville NC) — look for their boxes of teas, particularly the seasonal blends.  

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Partner content: Cherry juice — osteoarthritis remedy?
Ask Leah! The Ingles Dietitian
Partner content: Cherry juice — osteoarthritis remedy?

Question: Can drinking tart cherry juice help with my knee pain due to osteoarthritis?

Answer: While tart cherry juice isn’t harmful, the research proof of its efficacy to reduce pain or inflammation due to arthritis just is not there. 

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