We’re open, but be understanding

This is not the end of our story in Western North Carolina. Far from it. It’s an opportunity for a…
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Desecration and beauty all mixed together

Early October, and these mountains are already beginning to put on their glorious garments of autumn. A splash of red…
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In the middle of an unimaginable tragedy

It’s hard to know what to write about when my mind is swirling in so many directions, as I’m sure…
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An ultramarathon, a book, a flood and a prayer

On the weekend of Sept. 20-21, I went to the Grindstone 100-Mile Ultramarathon at Natural Chimneys Park in Virginia, where…
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Election officials prepare for new rules

Voting is going to look a bit different in North Carolina this year thanks to new partisan observers who will…
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Teaching teens in a tumultuous world

Recently I had the privilege of sitting and talking with a group of adolescents who weren’t my own children or…
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Election fraud claims are just that — a fraud

The looming 1980 presidential election was all over the news, the unpopular incumbent Jimmy Carter facing the charismatic former actor…
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Already leaning into the fall season

Once Labor Day has come and gone, I lean fully into fall. I know that technically autumn does not officially…
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He’s not gone, he’s just getting started

When I became a parent for the first time, I asked my brother what to expect. He already had two…
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How about some respect for all athletes

Editor’s note: Bob Clark coached the Tuscola boys and girls discus and shotput athletes for the past three seasons. Prior…
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MDMA will, eventually, help many with PTSD

As the executive director of the nonprofit Pearl Institute here in Waynesville, I wanted to express my gratitude to The…
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Public radio called, and I tuned in

During a recent morning drive to Asheville, I felt a yearning to listen to National Public Radio (NPR). Typically my…
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The Olympics: a beacon of hope in challenging times

Just when global news hit a fever pitch and there was little to hang onto in the way of goodness…
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Standing for democracy, fairness and better government

Democracy means that we voters get to decide with elections which candidates are empowered to serve in our local, state…
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Reminders of humanity in Mexico

One of the greatest advantages of traveling the world is being reminded how similar we all are, regardless of culture,…
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A love letter to Appalachia

Editor’s note: This article first appeared online at the website “100 Days in Appalachia.” Meredith McCarroll is from Waynesville, went to…
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The problem of childhood hunger can be fixed

A recent town hall in Cullowhee laid out a heartbreaking problem in our public schools, as well as a sensible solution.…
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Embrace the ideals America stands for

I know that many people are so upset with the state of politics and division in our country that they struggled…
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Lessons learned in the wilderness

My last column was written just before I returned from Wilderness Trail. I’m not sure what propelled me to sign…
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Beneath the traditions, let’s consider our democracy

When our three children were young, we had a regular July 4 tradition. For probably about 15 years, we would…
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American democracy’s last stand

I was raised in a rural, conservative-leaning county with two working parents and six busy kids. My mother was a nurse…
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Into the wilderness we go

When this column is published, I’ll be emerging from five days in the wilderness of Southwest Virginia. A group from…
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Let’s get real about ‘school choice’

There are some things John Hood (SMN, May 29) and his ilk don’t want you to think about in their…
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You got this, you know you do

One of the best things about marriage is the abundance of opportunities for continuous learning. For example, I did not…
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Finding meaning in life’s twists and turns

I recently experienced a visual about worrying. It was a mountain where the highest point is the peak of worry.
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Looking forward to SMN in 2049

This week SMN is celebrating its 25th anniversary as a business. As we mark the milestone, this industry is changing…
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School choice isn’t a conspiracy

North Carolina is becoming a national leader in expanding choice and competition in education. For some North Carolinians, this is…
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Billionaires, public education and vouchers

Despite stiff opposition, the N.C. Senate voted this month to double the funding for Opportunity Scholarships to boost enrollment in privately run…
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When history really does repeat itself

Recently someone described me as a “longtime columnist for the Smoky Mountain News,” which made me realize I’ve been sharing…
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To be a moderate takes real courage

One good thing about being skeptical of your own opinions is that if the wrong candidate wins you can reassure…
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Change is coming, and things will change

What happens when the those with the most chips in the game only have a partial stake in it? In…
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Sorry, fertilized eggs are not living beings

It is time to have a fact-based discussion about the biology and history of our knowledge about human reproduction. Much…
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Pray for the best, prepare for the worst

After what Haywood County has been through does anyone want to think about the hurricane season from June 1 to…
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Local food is the best choice

If you need a reminder of the sweet soul of humanity, visit your local farmers market on a Saturday morning.
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PlottFest not just about canines

PlottFest 2024 will be held at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds Saturday, April 27th from 9 a.m. until 10 p..m.…
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Single-use plastics need to be addressed

When I began my role as the French Broad Riverkeeper nearly 20 years ago, I was wide-eyed and eager. I…
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The hamster wheel of human well-being

I’ve become fascinated with studies and lifestyle changes focused on longevity and biohacking. A few recent “revolutionary health and wellness…
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Celebrating libraries means ending book bans

I’m no extremist. I like discourse with people who hold opposing viewpoints. You can sway me with sound arguments. I…
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Enjoying the Madness

It’s March Madness, and as a graduate of North Carolina State University, I am thoroughly enjoying it. We Wolfpack fans…
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Are the ‘deniers’ practicing better science?

I don’t deserve to be called a scientist, but maybe I’m at least a fringe scientist after spending 50 years doing…
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Former public servants send a strong message

We folks over 70 often make mistakes — forgetting and confusing names, places, dates. So when Joe Biden mistook President…
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Taking time to strengthen my gratitude muscle

Gratitude has become something of a buzz word and because of that, it seems that some people roll their eyes…
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One year later, Canton displays remarkable progress

The woods are lovely, dark and deep, But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep,…
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