By Mark Jamison • Guest Columnist

I had planned to call this commentary “Dirty Money.” I would begin by quoting Teddy Roosevelt, “No amount of charity in spending such fortunes can compensate in any way for misconduct in acquiring them,” setting the stage for the argument that the grant from the Koch Foundation to fund a Center for Free Enterprise at Western Carolina University, a proposal which is problematic on its merits, also suffers from the fact that its source is tainted.

By Kristen Hammett • Guest Columnist

Our current Haywood County Animal Shelter is overcrowded, outdated, and unsafe for staff and the animals. Its present location in a residential district is no longer in accordance with Waynesville’s zoning, is far from the county center, and has traffic and parking limitations.  Changes to the current structure would require zoning variances from the town — an unlikely event.

When I was growing up, it seemed that I spent most of my time at Mark Dozier’s place. Mark was my best friend. His parents were divorced, and his father, Gary, had an apartment in town just below the high school. I thought Gary was about the coolest father ever.

Only 200,000 people in the United States have their birthdays fall on Feb. 29, and one of those lucky babies was born at Haywood Regional Medical Center this year.

A full-service restaurant, an outdoor equipment outfitter, a combination bookstore and coffee cafe, a popular convenience store and a nationally known sandwich shop are among the expected occupants of Noble Hall, the mixed-use facility being constructed on the site of a structure damaged by fire in 2013 at Western Carolina University.

Statewide:

Haywood:

Democrats scramble to recruit candidates for Haywood commissioner contest

Seven seek two commissioner seats in Haywood

Haywood primary offers platter of party positions

Haywood candidates come up empty on fresh ideas for economic development

Haywood commissioners question whether scattergun economic development approach is working

Some say time is right for land-use discussions

Blurred lines for Haywood commissioner race

Jackson:

Uncontested primaries on tap for Jackson

Republican candidate files for Jackson commissioner

Macon:

Five signed up to run for Macon commission

Two more sign on to run for Macon commissioner

Six candidates vie for two Macon commission posts

Republican candidates deliberate Macon’s future

Swain:

Seven in running for Swain commission

Democrat candidates for commissioner weigh in on Swain issues

Ingles Markets takes pride in offering our customers a variety of local produce and locally produced products.

A network of pollinator pit stops will begin spreading across the state with the launch of the Butterfly Highway Campaign, a program of the N.C. Wildlife Federation.

Drought has gotten bad in the United States over the past 15 years, and the combination of the dry weather and warmer temperatures in the future is likely to keep things volatile, according to a new report released by the U.S. Forest Service.

To the Editor:

I understand that our Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina is a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. The majority Republican members of the committee are opposed to vetting any nominee for the position of Associate Justice of the Supreme Court that may be nominated by President Obama. I believe that Sen. Tillis’ position and that of the majority members of the committee in this matter are wrong.

Article II Section 2 of the U. S. Constitution states that:  “… he (referring to the President) shall nominate, and by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, shall appoint ... judges of the Supreme Court….” The President should confer with the Senate for advice then nominate a candidate. The Judiciary Committee’s job is to do the preliminary vetting before passing it the Senate.  

I know of no incidence in recent history when this process has been circumvented and sidetracked for political reasons. True, Robert Bork’s nomination was sent to the Senate floor with an unfavorable recommendation, but it was still sent to the floor. The nomination of Clarence Thomas was sent to the floor with only one nay vote and was sent without recommendation of any kind on the second vote of the Judiciary Committee. Scalia’s nomination was forwarded with a unanimous vote of 18-0 with all minority Democrats as well as the majority Republicans on the committee voting to move the nomination on to the Senate. 

To deny a hearing of a nominee and forwarding that nominee on to the Senate for purely political reasons is to deny the President the ability to do his job. Perhaps, that is what this is about.  

Our governmental system is currently gridlocked and fairly inoperative. To hamper the function of the Supreme Court by withholding the proper process as outlined by the Constitution is unconscionable. Let me be perfectly blunt. I am not a Democrat. I am registered to vote in the North Carolina as unaffiliated. But I do vote, and I have since Richard Nixon was President.  For the Judiciary Committee to not take this up means that the Judiciary Committee is abrogating its job and function. That would mean that Sen. Tillis, as a member of that committee and being in agreement with the Republican majority position,  would be remiss in doing his job as a senator. 

Sen. Tillis, if you cannot or will not do your job, get out of Washington and come home. As a taxpayer, I do not wish nor need to pay your salary for you to ignore your duty and responsibilities in this matter. 

Luther Jones

Sylva

To the Editor:

Imagine, if only there was a viable candidate for President who for decades has spoken with honesty, integrity and consistency regardless of who or where the audience is. 

 Imagine, if only there was a candidate who represents the interests of all the people and not just the wealthy and powerful. 

Imagine, if there was only a candidate who doesn’t accept money from and isn’t influenced by large corporate campaign contributors who expect their interests to be protected in return for their donations.

Imagine a candidate who believes it’s better to invest in education than in prisons. It’s better to provide health care for all. It’s better to address climate change than to ignore it. It’s better to provide a living wage than to force working people to seek public assistance.

You don’t have to imagine it any longer. His name is Senator Bernie Sanders. He’s running for President. The primary election in North Carolina is on March 15.

Avram Friedman

Dillsboro

To the Editor:

I have recently learn was told that the wording on the base of the Statue of Liberty has been changed. It now reads: "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses — any who will undergo a two-year wait, a background check, a blood test, a cavity search, and pay a substantial fee, and provided they are white, Christian, speak fluent English, can climb a wall, and avoid the Border Patrol." The additional phrases are too long to appear on the statue's face, so to view them one must go behind it and lift the hem of Lady Liberty's skirts.

Doug Wingeier

Waynesville

The 2016 Primary Election will be held March 15 and polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Early voting for the primary will be held March 3-12. 

The Smoky Mountain News won more awards in the large circulation, non-daily newspaper category than all but one newspaper in the state during the recent N.C. Press Association Advertising and Editorial Contest.

Author Bill Jamerson will present a music and storytelling program about how the Civilian Conservation Corps camps improved the surrounding area as well as the lives of the young men and their families at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 12, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin.

Question: I have heard that grapefruit and grapefruit juice may not be good to eat/drink with some medications.

Answer: Yes, grapefruit and grapefruit juice does interact with some prescription and over the counter medications in these categories:

To the Editor:

I have recently learned from a D.C. resident that the wording on the base of the Statue of Liberty has been changed. It now reads: “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses—any who will undergo a two-year wait, a background check, a blood test, a cavity search, and pay a substantial fee, and provided they are white, Christian, speak fluent English, can climb a wall, and avoid the Border Patrol.” The additional phrases are too long to appear on the statue’s face, so to view them one must go behind it and lift the hem of Lady Liberty’s skirts.

Doug Wingeier 

Waynesville

Stephanie Wampler • Guest Columnist

Good news, fellow citizens.  It’s only a matter of time before we can all sleep easily, comfortable in the knowledge that we will never be bombed in our homes or at Little League games. Candidate Trump’s chances of winning the presidency increase everyday, and it seems only a matter of time before he is making rational decisions for all of us, before our lives are in his hands.

Exploration of the remote Little Cataloochee area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park will kick off this year’s Classic Hikes of the Smokies series on Tuesday, March 8.

Students in Jackson County got a chance to show the artistic side of what it means to live in a watershed with a poster, essay and slideshow contest sponsored by the county’s Soil and Water Conservation District.

The sicklefin redhorse is a rare fish found nowhere else in the world other than six Southern Appalachian counties, but a coalition of government agencies and power companies have agreed to team up in hopes of keeping the fish off the federal endangered species list.

Starting in August, no boating vessels will be allowed at the new swimming area at the Pines Recreation Area on Lake Glenville in Jackson County following a vote by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission this month.

Before a roomful of dedicated citizens, Haywood’s Commission for a Clean County doled out its annual awards last week to the people who have made the biggest difference in keeping Haywood clean and making it beautiful over the past year.

Country Lane Animal Hospital in Clyde and The Animal Hospital in Waynesville teamed together to address the issue of pet safety in the event of an emergency. 

Dr. McCracken and Dr. Hammett launched a program in Haywood County to ensure that every fire department had the equipment needed to respond to animal victims of smoke inhalation and fire. The two hospitals started this project by purchasing oxygen mask kits for three of the local fire departments. Soon after purchasing these kits, clients from these hospitals donated additional funds to purchase an additional three kits for other fire departments. A total of 27 pet oxygen mask kits will be distributed to fire departments as a result of the commitment to safety made by the Western Carolina Dog Fanciers Association and their partners.

Western Carolina University Chancellor David Belcher will host an educational forum at 12:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 29, in the theater of WCU’s A.K. Hinds University Center to address the regional importance of the Connect NC bond proposal. 

On Tuesday, March 15, North Carolina voters will decide on the $2 billion referendum, which would fund state and local infrastructure needs, highway projects and state parks improvements, and provide $110 million for a new WCU Natural Sciences Building.

Belcher will address how bond approval would help communities in Western North Carolina in addition to educational needs, such as funding local water and sewer projects, health care initiatives and the Department of Agriculture and National Guard. 

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 828.227.3553.

Western Carolina University’s Mountain Heritage Center is among 10 museums selected to participate in the American Alliance of Museums’ new accreditation academy for small institutions.

Question: Does Ingles sell graviola/soursop? I have heard about it on Dr. Oz with supplements and tea made from it as an immune system booster and possible cure for cancer.

Penland School of Crafts has open spaces in a number workshops in its second summer session available at half tuition to residents of the following Western North Carolina counties: Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Cherokee, Graham, Clay, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, and Yancey. Regular room and board charges apply, but students are not required to stay on campus. 

Complete information is available in the classes section of the Penland website: www.penland.org. To enroll, call the Penland registrar at 828.765.2359, ext 1106. 

To the Editor:

Here are three reasons why we should designate more federal land as wilderness to protect it from logging.

The first reason is obvious: there are animals and plants in this area that need undisturbed forest to thrive, wood thrushes and timber rattlers are two that still survive in these parts, red-cockaded woodpeckers and cougars are two that don’t. It’s not like the survivors have anywhere else to go, Western North Carolina is one of the last places with any chance of staying wild. It would be a shame if our great-great-grandchildren never see wild animals and wildflowers. Loggers have a long history of over-exploitation of woodlands, and there is no reason to think they will change their practices. 

The second reason is libertarian. Federal land is owned by the citizens, not by businesses. It is not the responsibility of citizens to provide loggers, truckers, and businessmen with incomes. There are plenty of trees on private land, and the owners of these trees do not need taxpayer-supported competition.

The third reason is that it is just bad business. The coming logging boom will be for wood pellets to export to Europe. This is a commodity, not a value-added product, (like furniture or musical instruments), which would produce wealth for this region. We already have a stable and growing tourist industry, people literally come here to see pretty trees, not to mention to fish, gamble, dine, camp, and otherwise vacation. Logging would not support this sector of the economy.

Private owners have a good conservation record. They do not support practices that damage topsoil simply because they own the topsoil and would rather it not wash into the watershed. They want to maximize their profits; which means they are selective about which areas and trees are cut. They are not about to allow healthy woodlots to be butchered for firewood, pallets or pulp. Current tax laws, written with input from the logging industry, demand revenue for standing timber; forcing landowners to part with their wealth or open their lands to cutting. These laws are a violation of their liberty and are environmentally hurtful. The conservative thing to do would be to change these laws and let markets decide the price and availability of timber, not the government and big business.

Do you remember the building boom of the 1990s? The people running the show back then kept talking about all the jobs that were being created, but it seems that any wealth from that boom is long gone. The logging interests are using the same lingo, but imagine the situation in 40 years: scraggly forests, ruined trout streams, and wealth in the hands of out-of-state interests and a few local sharpies.

Chris Bogardus

Cullowhee

To the Editor:

Voters should vote AGAINST the $2 billion “Connect NC” bonds on the March 15 ballot.

Gov. Pat McCrory’s original “Connect NC” bond proposal was primarily for transportation. However, the legislature removed every transportation project. Now, WCU would get $110 million for a new building, but every state university would also share in a $1.065 billion honey pot for buildings.

Southwestern Community College would get $7.2 million for “new construction, repairs, renovations,” but every state community college would share in a $350 million honey pot for the same. Every state park would share $75 million for undefined projects, and the N.C. Zoo would get $25 million for a new building. Other state entities would share the remaining $485 million.

This is the first state bond in 15 years, since the legislature had been appropriating money for these types of projects through its budgets. Depending on the terms of the bonds sold over the next four years, adding in interest payments the $2 billion in projects could cost taxpayers as much as $3.5 billion.

These bonds will provide special interest vote-buying and resumé enhancers for the governor and every state legislator running for re-election in November. Why else place the bonds on the March ballot when only about half as many voters will vote on the issue versus in November? Bond opponents also have less opportunity to educate voters on the facts about these bonds with a March vote.

With this Christmas-in-March shotgun cash distribution, our legislators are abdicating their responsibilities to select the true “needs” versus the “wants” of those seeking taxpayer money.

Vic Drummond

Franklin

To the Editor:

One of the greatest resources our state has is the University of North Carolina System with its 17 public universities and the N.C. Community College System with its network of 58 community colleges. The money invested in our public universities and colleges pays off with massive economic dividends as students graduate with the skills necessary to be leaders in our communities and compete in today’s economy.  

This March, the Connect NC Bond Initiative will be on the ballot and deserves our vote of approval. The bond Initiative will spend $980 million on improving the UNC system and $350 million on our community colleges in addition to many other great infrastructural needs.

These investments will allow our universities to remain among the best in the world and provide many opportunities for research and development that drive economic impact throughout our state. A great example in our mountain region is Western Carolina University’s Natural Sciences Building, standing in dire need of replacement. WCU cannot adequately accommodate workforce related majors in science, technology, engineering and mathematics in an aging structure it has long since outgrown and which is in constant need of repairs that place further burdens upon the university’s budget. As chairman of WCU’s Board of Trustees, I have seen first-hand this critical need.

This bond will not require a tax increase and takes advantage of historically low interest rates to fund these projects that will benefit future generations in North Carolina. In addition, the bond enjoys wide support from members of both parties in our state legislature. I believe this is a result of the bond being a fiscally responsible investment in our future as a state. We must improve our universities and colleges in order to stay competitive in today’s economy, and this bond provides a way to do so while maintaining our historical commitment to orderly reducing our debt in the future. 

I sincerely ask my fellow Western North Carolinians to vote for the Connect NC Bond Initiative on March 15.

F. Ed Broadwell

Chairman/CEO Emeritus

HomeTrust Bank

Asheville

Half a year after launching a program that makes breakfast and lunch free for every child in school, the financials are looking good for Jackson County Schools’ child nutrition program.

Get a taste of the wild with students in the Wildlife Club at Haywood Community College as they host the 10th annual Wildgame Dinner at 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26, at the Haywood County Fairgrounds. 

A 6-mile stretch of Rainbow Springs Road near Franklin will stay closed through mid-May for logging going on nearby.

Share ideas for making Franklin more pedestrian and cyclist friendly during a public input meeting from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23, at First Presbyterian Church’s Tartan Hall. 

WinterFest Smoky Style will return for its second year Saturday, Feb. 27, at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds, injecting the February doldrums with the excitement of sled dog racing, timber sports and music.

A purchase of 48 acres adjacent to the Pisgah National Forest and the Highlands of Roan by the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy saved the tract from development.

Sodas get a lot of bad press for the amount of calories from sugar and it’s important to remember that even "natural" sodas sweetened with cane sugar contain calories.

Enrollment has fallen in Haywood County Schools every year since at least 2008, and Jimmy Rogers was on the school board every single one of those years.

Waynesville lumber company Oaks Unlimited Inc. got recognition in Raleigh last week, named 2016 Exporter of the Year by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. It exports 75 percent of its production to a dozen countries outside the United States.

“Oaks Unlimited has shown the world the quality of North Carolina forestry products for more than 40 years,” said Steve Troxler, N.C. Agriculture Commissioner. 

Specializing in high-quality, kiln-dried ash, cherry, hickory, poplar, red oak and white oak, Oaks Unlimited recently purchased 10 acres next to its existing facility to add a boiler, dry kiln and lumber shed. It offers lumber certified through the Forest Stewardship Council, and Appalachian hardwoods verified sustainable by Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers. 

www.oaksunlimited.com.

The water of Lake Junaluska was a balmy 41 degrees as a parade of 158 people — sanity questionable — lined up for a chilly dip as part of Haywood Waterways Association’s annual Polar Plunge this past Saturday.

Water levels at Lake Junaluska are falling following the start of a drawdown to dredge silt and litter — and make repairs to infrastructure.

Newbie beekeepers will get a leg up with an all-day class in beginning beekeeping Saturday, Feb. 20, at the Haywood County Cooperative Extension Center in Waynesville.

The Jackson County Arts Council is looking for local artists/designers to participate in their spring fundraiser event “Trashion Show” to be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 2, in the community room of the Jackson County Library Annex in Sylva. 

The arts council is looking for creative outfits made either from recycled materials or upcycled (consignment) fashions. The two categories are “Couture” and “Trashion.” Entry forms are posted on the arts council website: www.jacksoncountyarts.org. Entry deadline is March 3.  Prizes will be awarded.

An information meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11, at the arts council office in Sylva. For more information, email the Jackson County Arts Council at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call the JCAC office at 828.507.9820.

By Mark Jamison • Guest Columnist

In Sons of Wichita, Daniel Schulman relates a story about Charles Koch’s attempt to apply his libertarian management theory known as Market-Based Management to Wichita Collegiate, the private school located near the Koch compound. The school, cofounded by Bob Love — an associate of Fred Koch from the John Birch Society — became embroiled in an “acrimonious uprising” after Charles Koch, who was chairman of the school’s executive council, applied techniques from his management system designed to force everyone in an institution or business into an entrepreneurial role.

To the Editor:

This Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, the 40-day period before Easter, when many Christians abstain from animal foods in remembrance of Jesus’ 40 days of fasting in the desert before launching his ministry.

But meat-free Lent is much more than a symbol of religious devotion to Christ. It helps reduce the risk of chronic disease, environmental degradation, and animal abuse. Dozens of medical reports have linked consumption of animal products with elevated risk of heart failure, stroke, cancer, and other killer diseases. A 2007 U.N. report named meat production as the largest source of greenhouse gases and water pollution. Undercover investigations have documented farm animals being beaten, caged, crowded, deprived, mutilated, shocked and subjected to all manner of cruelty.

Lent offers all of us a superb opportunity to honor Christ’s powerful message of compassion and love by adopting a meat-free diet for Lent and beyond. After all, it’s the diet mandated in Genesis I-29 and observed in the Garden of Eden. 

Our supermarket offers a rich array of plant-based meat and dairy alternatives, as well as the more traditional vegetables, fruits, and grains. Entering “vegan recipes” in our favorite search engine offers more products, recipes, and transition tips than we can use.

Wade Moore

Waynesville

To the Editor:

Have you ever heard of a man being fired for his “strong leadership style”?

Ella Kliger

Franklin

By Ron Robinson • Guest Columnist

The other day I attended a basketball game at Western Mountain University. I could not help noticing a very large person sitting in the upper decks near the rafters. He seemed intensely focused on the game and was continually smiling. Sometimes even grinning. My curiosity was growing, so at halftime I climbed the stairs to his seat.