<< Back to Archives 2005 2005 Archives 1 SMN 1/05 1/5/05 Firms duke it out in growing water wars Cherokee Bottled Water corners the water cooler, specialty label markets Franklin erosion officer says he needs help Haywood EDC mails out aid checks to businesses Library supporters pledge cooperation Meeting will try to unite opponents of Duke’s relicensing proposal Program will help farmers pay for environmental upgrades An alien looks at the holidays A good process most times will produce successful results Contra spirits: English cousin to square dancing attracts hard-core fans The Great Gordo’s Guide to Music in Asheville Local artists receive National Endowment grants My personal reward Recommended diversions Smiles and sweet surprises: The world of Precious Ramotswe Conservancy challenges privately-funded trail construction The Naturalist's Corner NC seeks to regulate waterways stock A soft spot here in the mountain Back to top 1/12/05 Peeks Creek’s slow road to recovery Unmet needs still in the millions Insurance obstacles further complicate Peeks Creek recovery Sylva begins assessment of stormwater challenges Chief Hicks, tribe target meth problems Macon leaders updated on plans for SCC campus Call for flood photos Canton rebuilding effort to include $25,000 stage Hurricane relief deserves special legislative session Getting what we asked for — fast, imperfect voting results Looking for an advantage among the dead Bryson City artist Charles Heath follows his passion for art My high-holy windbaggin Over Yonder Jamboree Recommended diversions In contemporary writing, style is no substitute for substance ZORO’S FIELD: Life at the end of the road N.C. moves to keep non-native species out of waterways The Snakehead saga The Naturalist's Corner RiverLink collects info on French Broad put-ins Back to top 1/19/05 Disagreement between doctors and administration results in anesthetist, orthopedist shortage Rice’s leadership boosts HRMC’s profitability, image Buyer plans several businesses in Waynesville building Contractors, funds lined up for Peeks Creek recovery Community Table seeks funds Master plan addresses recreation needs Real estate agency’s gifting program will benefit Western Preservation Foundation grants to aid traditional Cherokee crafts Voters asked to OK $25 million for schools Students collect money to send home to tsunami victims WCU collaborates with Cherokee on cultural studies program Treatment for addiction a vital component of drug war Still taking aim at the big buffalo OK, OK, I see your point WCU’s Mountain Heritage Center to hold jam sessions for local musicians and dancers January jazz just for Jay The Great Gordo’s Guide to Music in Asheville Canton’s Papertown looking for flood photos Recommended diversions Boyer’s adventuresome tale leaves unanswered questions in its wake Ron Rash wins O. Henry Prize Native species find a friend in Land Stewards Highlands couple makes native plant preservation their personal mission The Naturalist’s Corner Appalachian Trail Conference name change reflects future goals Web site to facilitate bee pollination Surviving by acting the part Why the Possum plays ‘possum Back to top 1/26/05 EDC under fire Haywood commissioners want to tighten reins on manager Saving water-damaged artifacts in Canton Library supporters off to slow start Webster family’s donation pays off for NCCAT students Regional leaders take part in meth seminar Cherokee Farmers’ Market gets push Bush takes on a good fight but at the wrong time A new New Year’s tradition We must own our own retirement Waynesville Recreation Center dances draw hundreds of fun loving kids Hope lives for the Oxford Recommended diversions Collection restates Capote’s influence on the short story High risk rescue The Naturalist's Corner Grants available for ATBI projects Back to top 2/05 2/2/05 Counties in court, towns on trial EDC shakeup leaves Jackson airport authority in disarray Expenditures leave JDC finances in the hole Office will match aid with flood victims Railroad readies for future with upgrades, new ventures Redman hired to help Swain boost tourism Process important when dealing with controversy My students, future soldiers? So far, flood aid leaving bitter taste Bidding farewell to a true friend Fend off the cold with productions from HART’s Studio-F Munky Si, Munky Doux The Great Gordo’s Guide to Music in Asheville Recommended diversions Parental responsibility and the blame game Needmore control The Naturalist's Corner Pisgah Center honored by fisheries society Endangered species subject of petition The Gypsies are coming Back to top 2/9/05 A focus on the artist, not the art Support from the Council HCC enrollment edges up again Jackson business owners weigh in on EDC Mast store donates to MANNA Food Bank New justice center to cost additional $500,000 to operate Sylva to begin twice-a-month meeting schedule Business flood loans a model for state Fostering civic engagement a key to community building My old treadmill is smirking again Gallery takes focus on Native American renaissance The Great Gordo’s Guide to Music in Asheville All the soul I need Recommended diversions Sesquicentennial celebration gets rolling in Franklin Feb. 10 Steinway & Sons to unveil Grove Park inspired piano Tightly intertwined characters create a claustrophobic atmosphere Cyclists maintain fitness levels by spinning away the winter months Winter cycling clinics Cycling in cyberspace Naturalist's Corner National forests turn 100 Newly-approved MacKaye trail offers an AT alternative Back to top 2/16/05 Jackson pays $250,000 to end landfill pact Macon citizens want indoor pool included in recreation master plan Huelster honored for downtown work Taylor secures federal money for HRMC surgery center Town, DOT have different ideas for Howell Mill No smoking gun turns up in EDC review Art Institute is another component of Cherokee renaissance There is a place for all kinds of Valentines Asheville storytelling circle joins nationwide effort to raise money for tsunami victims A real southern gem The Great Gordo’s Guide to Music in Asheville Recommended diversions Life before Zoro’s Field: From Graham County to San Francisco and beyond ZORO’S FIELD: Life at the end of the road/Chapter 25: Afterword To determine impact, biologists record what lives in North Shore’s proposed path Just call me birdbrain – please! Knotweed eradication planning begins Glacier Breaker Slalom comes to the Gorge Nature’s little hand washer How the Redbird got his color Back to top 2/23/05 On-call dispute played a role in orthopedic woes at HRMC HRMC, orthopedist file lawsuits over departure SCC pulls out of EDC, asks for joint meeting Millennial campus doubles WCU’s size Community Table opens at new location Rep. Taylor to open office in Jackson County Building the right road is always an uphill battle Time to fix campaign woes is now Relay for Life especially meaningful for survivors Nature’s creative force Thanks, Mr. Piano Man The Great Gordo’s Guide to Music in Asheville Highlands theater group warms winter blues Recommended diversions Boler looks at the role of alcohol in the lives of writers Tri-athlete’s self-imposed therapy leads to victory, help for others Disappearing hemlocks – part deux Stewardship grants available Back to top 3/05 3/2/05 Both sides agree: Compromise is bad The Options | Who Decides? The word battle | On baited breath | Damned if you do ... A nice round $52 million Why all the road talk? 60 years and still no road: Just give us the money Papertown probe now with SBI Jackson chairman resigns from board IndyLink provides dial-up alternative Students have give-and-take with Cashiers residents CCC honors flood clean-up workers Shooting range potential worries Tilley Creek residents Fighting the urge to bite the hand that feeds One patch in the country’s quilt Just thinking about it makes me a bit squeamish Writing a career Take one for the team The Great Gordo’s Guide to Music in Asheville RecommendedDiversions A harsh critique of America’s most famous president Remote rescue Bush initiative unravels NC smog protection The Naturalist's Corner Rumble strips concern road bikers GSMNP offers Spring field trips for students The big fish known as Dakwa Back to top 3/9/05 Odyssey of the Mind How to get involved What’s the problem, captain? Lowe’s asks Sylva for incentives Taylor owns land Lowes wants Getting waste off the lake Haywood’s recent focus on local businesses pays off Buchanan’s resignation is immediate A broken promise, but a better deal Toward a mass transit future Commandments don’t belong in public buildings Sharing space Simply good books The Great Gordo’s Guide to Music in Asheville RecommendedDiversions Ghostly tales to lift your spirits Pain is gain for one cyclist on a February morning A frog by any other name Mountain bike touring outfitter opens in Dillsboro Dirty doings Back to top 3/16/05 Florida group interested in Ghost Town We’ve heard it before ... Buchanan successor to be chosen March 22 WCU launches Sequoyah Initiative with Preservation Fund grant WCU launches Elder-in-Residence program WCU students’ show to air on commercial radio Swain residents reeling from property value hikes Swain among the last to switch to 4-year revaluations New leaders at Papertown helm Sylva leaders prepare for impact of Lowe’s New tourism maps feature WNC New Folkmoot leader has financial skills and WNC roots Loan Plus for small businesses Franklin ordinance would regulate sexually oriented busineses Helping local firms sure feels better A case for a higher minimum wage Ah, what powers there are in a moondance Fabric of Franklin Worthy of a free pass The Great Gordo’s Guide to Music in Asheville RecommendedDiversions, Spring Training Edition A Southern caper with a colorful cast From pencils to paint brushes, the selection is part of the problem Stranded hikers endure ice, wind, hypothermia The Naturalist's Corner Macon wardens honored for dragnet Lobby for MST Bill to fund restoration of park services Keeping track of time Back to top 3/23/05 Paying the big box price Shooting range argument continues with hackles raised Commissioners scrutinize Horton’s authority Job changes Brian McMahan chosen as new Jackson Commission chairman Two years later, peace group still making points ‘Outfoxed’ to show at Haywood Library April 1 Email provides paper trail of discussions New lodging group forms in Maggie Valley MANNA opens Franklin food bank Putting power where it belongs: with the people Combating the consumption craze There’s a light in my tunnel: hope vs. The End The sound of apathy State map spotlights NC’s craft tradition A review of Redneck Cinema The Great Gordo’s Guide to Music in Asheville RecommendedDiversions Richards’ latest an homage to sense of place and the family bond Limited options for public input could face logging opponents New approach for Wayah Not so fast The new paradigm? The Naturalist's Corner Labs research ways to hasten adelgid extermination Grant gives teachers hands-on learning Back to top 3/30/05 Campaign launched against sightseeing chopper A letter from Save Our Skies Banks faces three counts of embezzlement Banks defends actions that led to charges Board expected to discuss future of organization Papertown update A letter from Steve Banks McMahan gets chair, Burrell to fill vacancy McClure, authority members sue to get seats back Jackson, Macon may form regional airport authority Macon freezes spending to prepare for budget cuts Lowes – and Sylva – need to step up Congress puts its nose where it doesn’t belong Writer/activist headlines WCU’s Literary Festival What to do in case of hicks The Great Gordo’s Guide to Music in Asheville Annual kite festival takes flight in Franklin Recommended diversions Coping with end-of-life issues and new beginnings Bridging the gaps... and the hollers and creeks and ridges Forests land big money for hurricane damage Whitewater Falls The Naturalist's Corner NOC 8-hour adventure race concludes Ornithologist — William Brewster Back to top 4/05 4/6/05 Jackson commissioners fail to enact shooting range moratorium Inaction leaves Tilley Creek residents with a bitter taste An interview with Brian McMahan Fired Papertown director threatens to sue board Macon OK’s plan for joint airport authority with Jackson Mother fears for daughter after threatening note Police probe origin of racial threat WCU’s Mercer honored for public service Controversies mean trial by fire for McMahan What do I do now? Is this normal? A vow to foster an open, engaged board Keeping the Door open Apology accepted The Great Gordo’s Guide to Music in Asheville RecommendedDiversions Guild seeks vintage textiles Author’s self recedes into the richness of his surroundings Rash awarded for Appalachia literature Wayward elk finds temporary home among reindeer The Naturalist’s Corner Landmark Learning Center rolls out new wilderness rescue classes Upcoming classes at Landmark Back to top 4/13/05 African-American residents speak out on taboo topic Ladies auxiliary in Macon seeks unwanted formal wear Injunction sought against Jackson commissioners Proposed tax breaks for trout farmers Sylva traffic accidents on the decline A final farewell, hopefully, to the Rudolph story Because everyone else is doing it Right a wrong, name the road for King I’ve become just another one of the old guys Time it is a’wastin’ The Strand Time to play ball The Great Gordo’s Guide to Music in Asheville Greening up the Mountains April 30 RecommendedDiversions • Jazzfest Edition A bookman’s latest adventure and a fearful state Skies hum with activity as parks wait on bill Protection for gateway communities Soundscapes — a natural resource? The Naturalist's Corner Crews right bridge dislodged by high waters Sustainability questions arise as galax harvesting increases WNC’s own ornithologist, John S. Cairns Back to top 4/20/05 Swain might join coalition opposing Duke plan Reece questions new method for dividing room tax dollars Shooting range ordinance back under consideration The Language of a Motion McClure, Rowell reinstated to Airport Authority — for the time being Chief Hicks gets national alumni award Local restaurants take part in AIDS Project Strong leadership important in combating racial problems Is this loss worth the cost? Little newsies My very own Lambo The Great Gordo’s Guide to Music in Asheville Carden’s ‘The Prince of Dark Corners’ Recommended diversions A tender look at an Appalachian childhood ... plus the latest and greatest from Algonquin Web site for Appalachian authors Tour de Georgia Tour de Georgia — what’s that? Legislators seek formation of global warming commission Grants available for river stewardship The Naturalist's Corner NOC employee Craig Plocica joins American Whitewater Parkway plates gain popularity Recall issued for children’s fishing poles Trading otters for turkeys Back to top 4/27/05 Juvenile programs aim to prevent repeat offenses Saving the farm LTLT uses federal program to conserve rural land Former Papertown director indicted Banks also faces embezzlement charges HRMC hires orthopedist Bush’s missed opportunity The problem with religion ... In this case, the numbers just don’t lie Life and times of William H. Thomas Catholics draft new quarterback The Great Gordo’s Guide to Music in Asheville RecommendedDiversions Pope John Paul II’s literary legacy Friends seek books WCU magazine honored by print industry organization Tour de Georgia The Naturalist's Corner Grants available for medicinal herb growers Holy flying amphibians Back to top 5/05 5/4/05 Dam mitigation process ramps up as counties seek more clearly defined answers Jackson ponders the dam Dillsboro’s green future Macon County wants one-on-one with Duke McClure says new loan will prevent foreclosure Neighbors fear chopper accident could have been worse Plott Creek residents blast DOT plan Government can help in conservation Denying racism’s existence is absurd Exhibit focuses on the early craft movement in the southern mountains Essentials I just can’t live without The Great Gordo’s Guide to Music in Asheville Recommended diversions Oconaluftee Village opens for the season Rebus takes the lead in Rankin’s ‘Tartan noir’ Etiquette to keep things cool on and around the waterways Warblers in the snow Guide outlines conservation ideals for waterways preservation Hunter’s rights bill introduced in Raleigh A mountain man not to be taken lightly Back to top 5/11/05 Faith and politics Church and State The tax question Members voted out Racial issues aired at Swain meeting Urgent Care facility opens in Waynesville Sylva manager resigns to move back home Sylva named a Tree City WCU traffic changes begin May 9 GED classes offered The problem with tossing tolerance aside Forgery reveals much about letter-writer’s integrity Appalachia in brown eyes My lady Luck The Great Gordo’s Guide to Music in Asheville Recommended diversions Lende’s take on small-town Alaska puts a personal face on the frozen wilderness Tour a natural treasure The Naturalist's Corner Stretch of Chattooga moves closer to paddling OLN seeks input on possible Tour de Georgia coverage Britton Sawyer — old time funny man Back to top 5/18/05 Jackson county airport’s future up in the air Jackson passes shooting range moratorium Sylva targets growth areas for ‘consideration’ Jackson County signs alternative Duke settlement Maggie proposals sail through TDA Putting heads on beds Haywood to begin historic courthouse renovation planning Grant to help teach Cherokee culture, history Downtown Waynesville moves toward niche markets Sylva leaders must annex or create an ETJ Religious right needs to re-focus PBS missed badly with Appalachian documentary Pain in black and white White Marabelle, I smell a winner The Great Gordo’s Guide to Music Railroad plans 53-mile photo special Pick’N on the Square kicks off Friday night Recommended diversions Personal journals provide a running commentary on Kerouac’s youthful pursuits Database helps commuters share the burden Bill seeks more hybrids, less emissions Haywood slated for emissions testing Naturalist's Corner Blue Ridge commits $8.2 million to further reduce emissions New law bans burning on bad ozone days Our attraction to cemeteries Back to top 5/25/05 Development finds the Gorge Citizen group criticizes Macon’s fund balance DWQ approves preliminary step in dam removal proposal Macon has third highest recycling rate in state Macon joins those opposed to Duke plan Ghost Town deal off, Coburn says Insect infestation hits Waynesville trees Private loan staves off JDC foreclosure Bardo a finalist for Marshall’s top job Grassroots group wins range debate TDA changes solve few problems Father and son restore the ride of a lifetime We’ll miss ya, Mr. Poole The Great Gordo's Guide to music in Asheville WCU Performing Arts Center receives grant Recommended diversions The war experience and victims in the aftermath Decline of indicator species gives conservationists cause for concern The Naturalist's Corner A trail work vacation Commercial boating in the mountains Back to top 6/05 6/1/05 Blue Ridge Heritage Area looks for tangible results Dameron’s latest job the culmination of years of mountain involvement SPIR chooses new president-elect Developers will help SPIR – if they get post office job Affordable summer camp provides childcare alternatives for low-income working parents Gorge developer plans drip sewage system Part-timers complicate true measure of WNC’s economy Who are all these people? Taking something from the death of Devin Gibson Eating crow, not birthday cake A birthday bash Flights of fancy The Great Gordo’s Guide to Music Friday music series begins in Dillsboro Recommended diversions Burgeoning genre leaves accuracy playing catch-up Headway made in efforts to open trails to mountain bikers Rolling up their sleeves Animals hindering sportsmen’s success N.C. Global Warming Act sails through Senate Using steam power in the mountains Back to top 6/8/05 Jackson agrees to create land-use map Sen. Snow’s bill would ban some heliports Macon County citizens offer to pay higher taxes Medical center goes tobacco-free Landfill closure could serve as composting catalyst Swain initiative to help entrepreneurs Bardo stays at WCU Better to guide growth rather than try to stop it Beware the benevolent newcomer Here’s wishing Bush would end posturing over stem cell research Lunch with Owen: A heaping helping of pop culture Haywood youths take part in old-time tradition IN Review: HART’s ‘Sylvia’ So much at our fingers The Great Gordo’s Guide to Music Dillsboro holds 21st Heritage Festival Recommended diversions The good*, the bad, and the ugly BMX world: It’s more than meets the eye The Naturalist's Corner Grants available for growers of medicinal herbs Inn featured in National Geographic guide book Works of the lesser known Back to top 6/15/05 New GM of Harrah’s Cherokee Casino shares his thoughts on the local gaming industry Macon group a model for civic engagement Hubbs tapped to lead Drake Enterprises Gillman is first Jackson United Way director Sylva group wants to re-focus efforts Francis Mill seeks historic designation Community Table, gardeners partner up Elders provide support for Native American students Snuffing out tobacco use at HRMC Admit it – we just don’t know After the fame, a sad reminder of mortality The enthusiasm has left the great library debate Yeah, Dad, I’m seeing it Tartan tradition One mature puppet The Great Gordo’s Guide to Music Recommended diversions Palahniuk’s latest amuses, shocks and offends Citizen science in the Smokies The Naturalist's Corner Friends of Panthertown group to organize Old-time trail markers Back to top 6/22/05 NC grassroots effort attempts to repeal antiquated beer laws Blue Ridge Paper helps out HCC students Dillsboro leaders seek alcohol vote Hospital Auxiliary anticipates growth with new location High water takes out newly-engineered sewer line Progress Energy continues to build Pigeon River Fund Leadership Haywood graduates 17th class Celebrating good writers past and future Good intentions fall way short in the case of Shelby Lee Adams A Cold Mountain Tour The Great Gordo’s Guide to Music A certified smash ON that NOTE RecommendedDiversions A review of two inspired works by SMN writers Others study idea of conducting biological inventory Using twin collection strategies The Naturalist's Corner Ducks Unlimited looks to start local chapter Restoration of Cullowhee Creek underway NC denies Title V public hearings for power plants SAHC awarded $25,000 to help conserve Sandymush Audubon Society gives ‘State of the Birds’ An old-time delicacy | Yellow Jacket Soup Back to top 6/29/05 Haywood’s Arts Council director looks ahead A public face for the Arts Council Traveling exhibit of photography by N.C. Vietnam soldiers comes to Waynesville’s Little Gallery Folkmoot seeks new ways to reach out Taking stock of slide-prone areas Western North Carolina Landslide Fact Sheet Landslide analysis could aid planners, guide development Funds run out for teen pregnancy prevention program Jackson to start school recycling program REACH opens Canton thrift store Finding a place for the commandments Was Felt a hero or a rat? This is not what I was planning A band named Hoss End of the line. Thanks again. In review On that note Recommended diversions Leno to christen new Performing Arts Center On William Faulkner Park efforts preserve historic structures The Naturalist's Corner Canary Coalition elects board members The jay bird gets his due Back to top