Remembering Riley as a seventh-grader, during Teacher Appreciation Week
The thing I miss about teaching is human connection, being part of something bigger than myself. When I was in…
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Diversity strengthens our community
To the Editor: A letter to the editor in The Smoky Mountain News (Let’s All Embrace God’s Healing, March 27,…
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Jesus, health care and a fair system
To the Editor: On Saturday I went to the Jackson County Recreation Center for a workout. I was guided into…
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Imagine this happened to you
To the Editor: Imagine that you go to your general practitioner and she reminds you that it’s time for a…
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We need to stop senseless violence
To the Editor: Doubtless, most of you know about the tragic death of Riley Howell, and if you are like…
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SAWS director steps down
Bill Hodge, longtime executive director of the Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards, is stepping down from the organization.
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With title, Nikwasi Initiative can move forward
The volunteer board members of the nonprofit Nikwasi Initiative are appreciative of the public’s interest in our mission and role…
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We’ve got the nicest house in the campground
We are not a camping family. It’s probably my fault, if there is a need to assign blame. I joined…
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Medicaid work mandate a bad idea
To the Editor: State legislators have proposed a bill they misname “N.C. Health Care for Working Families,” a Medicaid expansion…
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Where has Trump’s leadership led?
To the Editor: Here’s a brief analysis of Donald Trump’s leadership using Joe Bryson’s characteristics: • Vision — Yes, Trump…
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Nikwasi Initiative can proceed without deed
By Bob Scott • Guest columnist As mayor of Franklin, my duty and loyalty is to the town. With that…
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A bucket list full of dreams
Late in life, my mom created a bucket list. It wasn’t in response to her cancer diagnosis, but once she…
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Tax on guns helps wildlife, public lands
To the Editor: In the early 1900s, sporting organizations and state wildlife agencies, concerned with declining wildlife populations in the…
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REAL ID required by Oct. 1, 2020
To the Editor: Do you know that by Oct. 1, 2020, you must have a REAL ID driver license in…
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Is a ‘responsible media’ a fading memory?
It’s one of those anniversaries most would rather forget: April 20, 1999, the Columbine High School shooting. Two high school…
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Golf’s prodigal son gets some redemption
Twenty years ago, a friend and I would get together on the weekends of the major golf tournaments and bet…
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Make redistricting an important issue
To the Editor The U.S. Supreme Court met March 26 to hear arguments on redistricting in three states, including North…
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Home is far way, but also here with me
By Hannah McLeod • Guest columnist I arrived in Costa Rica at the beginning of February. After floundering for a…
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You can’t please them all
I’ve learned it’s impossible to make everyone happy. This column has been a part of my life for a number…
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GOP has no health care plan
To the Editor: President Trump abruptly announced that he supports the court’s efforts to eliminate Obama Care. This would fulfill…
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It’s the right time for the Nikwasi Initiative
From the outside looking in, the current Nikwasi Mound disagreement in Franklin seems almost contrived. I mean, do serious people…
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The popcorn crisis: film at 11
When you’re young and in love, you feel invincible, like nothing can ever possibly contaminate the perfect union you have…
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Believing just does not make it true
I recently saw people interviewed at the CPAC meeting stating how pleased they were with Trump’s accomplishments. That got me…
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Our job is to earn trust and keep it
A little more than two weeks ago I was part of a public radio panel that was discussing the “state…
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A time of waiting and yearning
I’m sick of looking at a pair of stylish winter boots sitting beside my bedroom door. I have other cold-weather…
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Town can keep mound and support initiative
By Bob Scott • Guest Columnist Five years ago, as mayor, I was placed in the position of defending the…
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Please support Medicaid expansion
To the Editor: More than one million North Carolinians have no health insurance. Many fall in what is known as…
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Trump haters overplay their hand
To the Editor: In the news story “Constituents of color: Meadows defense of Trump angers many,” published in the SMN…
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Let’s all embrace God’s healing
To the Editor: A recent columnist claimed that their church embraces LGBTQ members. Well, my church welcomes LGBTQ as well.…
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Let’s keep people out of watershed
To the Editor: The town of Waynesville has passed an ordinance making defecation and urination on the ground a public…
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A hit piece without facts
To the Editor: The hate trump crowd that includes the media ringleaders keeps trying to denigrate President Donald Trump any…
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Let’s fire Sen. Tillis next election
To the Editor: Last week both our Senators, Richard Burr and Thom Tillis, had two opportunities to demonstrate that they…
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Economics and the tilt to socialism
My son was home from college for spring break. As we ate dinner one night, he described to my wife…
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This cruel, lingering illness just won’t let go
When you’ve been sick long enough, your perception of reality begins to change. A couple of days may be no…
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Changing primaries could help system
By Martin Dyckman • Guest Columnist Every member of Congress is required to swear loyalty to the Constitution, not to…
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Learning to live with intention
Ever had a life-changing book fall into your literal hands? This happened to me recently. I order my favorite rare,…
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A little knowledge can go a long way
To the Editor: If you haven’t researched or assisted a foreigner in easing through the maze of the Immigration and…
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Where is Willie’s scooter?
To the Editor: Willie is a graduate of WCU and has a degree in sociology. He was told by his…
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Young people want tolerance
To the Editor: In America today we are experiencing tremendous growing pains and challenges to the way things have been,…
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My church embraces LGBTQ members
By Nina Dove • Guest Columnist When I walked into a Reconciling Ministries meeting at my church (First United Methodist Church…
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An aging Walter still rules the roost
When Walter comes trundling down the driveway, he always reminds me of what a camera tripod might look like if…
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