Learn about the fabled bear hunting dog — the Plott Hound — during a talk at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, at Macon County Heritage Day at the old Cowee School.

Renown author and Plott Hound expert Bob Plott will recount the evolution of the special breed of bear hunting dogs unique to WNC, and share some of the lore surrounding the dog. He will bring a Plott hound as a special guest.

The Folk Heritage Association of Macon County is hosting the program and other festivities during the day. www.folkheritageassociation.org  

Plott’s talk is made possible in part by a grant from the North Carolina Humanities Council.

Whirling disease has been confirmed in rainbow trout in the Watauga River in the Banner Elk area, and biologists are concerned that the disease could spread to other trout populations. 

Biologists have suspended trout stockings until they can test hatchery fish to ensure they’re disease-free — even though the diseased fish came from a trout stream that was not stocked with fish raised by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. 

The disease, caused by a parasite, affects all species of trout and salmon, with rainbow and brookies — especially younger fish — appearing to be the most susceptible. Brook trout, North Carolina’s only native species, lives mainly in colder waters — the parasite’s preferred habitat. 

The Commission is also testing trout from the Watauga River, its tributaries and area aquaculture operations to determine how far the disease has spread. 

The disease, now present in more than 20 states, is spread mainly through infected fish and fish parts but can also be transmitted by birds and anglers who transfer the parasite on their equipment. 

Though there is no cure for the disease, the presence of whirling disease isn’t necessarily a death knell for fish populations. In other states, the disease has been present for decades, and impacts on both wild and stocked trout were not as devastating as feared. 

Whirling disease damages nerves and cartilage in the species it affects, which can cause fish to swim in a circular, tail-chasing pattern — hence the name of the disease. 

Report sightings of trout with deformities and strange swimming behaviors at www.ncwildlife.org/Fishing/WhirlingDisease/WhirlingDiseaseContactForm.aspx. 

A Bryson City man has been honored as North Carolina’s Boating Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. 

Brian Cookston, a master officer with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, was recognized for his quick response to a commercial jet boat accident last year on Fontana Lake, which resulted in injuries to numerous passengers. He was instrumental in getting medical attention and other help on scene and also aided the U.S. Coast Guard investigation.

He has also been highly involved in community outreach and education for safe boating, from classes for boat operators to courtesy vessel inspections at boat ramps. He is a leader in the annual campaign to discourage drinking and driving on the water.

A guided hike to the top of Mount LeConte in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park will provide an opportunity for adventure and natural beauty Sept. 4-5.

A fall schedule of classes covering the principles of emergency response and responsible behavior in the backcountry will soon kick off at Landmark Learning, an accredited outdoor education school based in Cullowhee.

The Haywood County Fair is coming up, and with it some opportunity for friendly competition. Consider putting your hat in the ring for one of these contests:

The Waynesville Craft Beer Faire will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, on the baseball field at American Legion Post 47 on Legion Drive.

Among the 25 breweries onsite, there will be selections served by BearWaters, Frog Level Brewing, Tipping Point, Boojum, Oskar Blues, Double Barley, Catawba, Innovation, Nantahala, Hi-Wire, Blind Squirrel, Sierra Nevada, Lazy Hiker, Foothills, French Broad and more. Naked Apple and Angry Orchard cideries will also be present.

Live music will be provided by Bohemian Jean (singer/songwriter) noon to 12:45 p.m., Through the Hills (Americana/bluegrass) 1 to 2 p.m., Stone Crazy (classic rock/pop) 2:20 to 3:20 p.m. and MindFrame (classic rock) 3:30 to 5 p.m. 

VIP tickets are $45, which includes early admission at noon. General admission tickets are $35. This is a 21-and-over event.

www.waynesvillebeer.com.

The Macon Aero Modelers will be hosting an AMA National Model Aviation Day celebration event at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, at the Otto Aerodome on Tessentee Road in Franklin.

The Stephen Sondheim Broadway hit comedy “Company” will hit the stage at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 4-5 and at 3 p.m. Sept. 6 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville.

Americana/roots act The Honeycutters will perform at 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, at the Cataloochee Guest Ranch in Maggie Valley.

The annual Golf and Gala event hosted by Haywood Healthcare Foundation on Aug. 25 and 26 will feature five separate golf tournaments at three courses over two days, capped off with an evening gala.

The event will raise money for the Good Samaritan Clinic of Haywood County, a non-profit medical clinic that provides care for uninsured and underserved adults who fall through the healthcare crack.

“They are an excellent organization filling a critical need in our county,” said Ginger Lang, Board Chair, Haywood Healthcare Foundation. “Every person on their small staff is exceptional, caring, and truly professional.”

Haywood County has an estimated 11,000 people without health insurance — roughly 18 percent of the population. In 2014 alone, the Good Samaritan Clinic served nearly 3,000 patients.

“Some patients we see here clearly have no other support or stability in their life,” said Chelsea Batten, a Physician’s Assistant at the clinic. “I felt drawn to help fill in the gap for patients in medically underserved areas who otherwise can’t access quality, consistent medical care. I’m also happy to work in a setting where I’m free to address patients’ spiritual needs as well as their physical, medical, mental, and emotional needs.”

One of the many lives touched by the clinic is Judy Bodker, who cleans houses for a living but doesn’t have insurance.

“I’ve been coming to the clinic for seven or eight years now,” Bodker said. “I simply couldn’t afford to pay a doctor. All the clinic staff are pleasant, and they treat me with respect.”

Donna Cianci, another patient who is a single mom with two kids, had similar praise for the clinic.

 “This is simply the best place. They spend all the time I need, and they listen,” Cianci said. “They have been here for me and I am grateful.”

More on the event

The Golf and Gala will feature men’s and women’s golf tournaments for golfers of all skills levels, with teams of two or four. Tournaments will be held at the Maggie Valley Club, the Waynesville Inn Golf Resort and Spa and Laurel Ridge Country Club.

An evening “Garden Party” gala will be held at the Waynesville Inn Golf Resort and Spa will be held on Aug. 26, featuring food, drinks and live music.

Register or buy tickets by contacting 828.452.8343 or visit www.haywoodhealthcarefoundation.org.

By Katie Reeder • SMN Intern

Hunters accused in a sweeping bear poaching sting in Western North Carolina have turned the tables on wildlife officers and prosecutors, tarnishing an operation that was initially trumpeted as a victorious round-up of rouge hunters.

Experience a “TASTE of LOCAL” at Ingles Markets in Asheville — 1865 Hendersonville Road. Thursday, August 13th  3:30 - 6:00

The Dillsboro Arts & Crafts Market will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, on Front Street in downtown.

The second annual Best of Controlled Chaos Film Festival will be held Saturday, Aug. 15, at the Martin Lipscomb Performing Arts Center in Highlands.

The Blueberry Festival will be held fro 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, at the Cherokee Indian Fair Ground.

To the Editor:

Dear House and Senate national representatives:

Are you going to allow Obama to precipitate another constitutional crisis without some sort of consequences to himself?

As reported widely — only after it was a done deal — U.S. ambassador to the UN Samantha Power chose to raise the issue of Iran’s continuing human rights violations. These were avoided during the negotiations, when the U.S. had leverage. Now, like bringing the deal to Congress, this is all for show.

Mr. Representatives, from what has been reported widely, what Obama is doing is blatantly unconstitutional and illegal. 

Obama can call this abomination an agreement all he wants. Poppycock! The bottom line is that it is a treaty between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran. Treaties between the U.S. and other countries MUST be ratified (or not) by the Congress.

These unconstitutional actions have been going on far too long by Obama. As reported widely in the media, both his administrations have been replete with one scandal after another and felonies too numerous to list,committed by himself or his henchmen.

Isn’t it time that he was removed from office for his numerous crimes? Isn’t it time that Obama and the other criminals in (and the ones who have resigned or been forced to resign) his administrations be brought before the bar of justice and the legal process ending in incarceration for their crimes against the American people begins? Or are we so far into the interregnum that the rule of law no longer applies and we are truly living under the rule of man? I demand to see some leadership on this issue — soon. Otherwise, there’s always “An Appeal to Heaven.”

Carl Iobst

Cullowhee

To the Editor:

I am a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee who has not lived in Cherokee since 2006. I now live in northwest Montana but am hoping the new leadership in Cherokee will bring transparency into Tribal government.

I appreciated your article about openness in Cherokee in last week’s edition.

I grew up in Cherokee and have been proud to be Tribal member. I moved home in 2006, and I bought a cabin in the woods off the main road. I went to work for the casino, and when I wasn’t working I stayed home, sewed and made jewelry. My motto was, “hear no evil, speak no evil, see no evil!” Know that what you say in any small community can be misinterpreted, especially when you’re related to half the people there. Just wanted to count my blessings and enjoy my semi-retirement.

I am an advocate for animal rights and found out there is still a bear concession in Cherokee. Thought when PETA came in they shut them all down? Found out there is the “Cherokee Bear Zoo,” with the bears living in concrete pits. I am horrified and ashamed as a Tribal member. This is not part of our culture.

I have been blessed in my professional life working for the federal government and have visited tribes and tribal communities all over the U.S. in my position as a project specialist. I have never heard of another tribe or community that supported this kind of facility that houses wild animals. I am ashamed and embarrassed for my tribe.

Ann Sneed

Montana

To the Editor:

Since the proposed Shining Rock Classical Academy Charter School has been in the news lately, I would like to offer the following thoughts.

I truly believe that the parents and organizers of the school want what they consider best for their children. Children are indeed precious, and I think all of us who have children want to see them off to a good start, to succeed and to have happy and fulfilling lives. I also believe that the impetus for the school has been the concern that the public school may not provide enough enriching experiences for bright students.

My response to this concern is that my three children (all in college or beyond) have excelled academically in the public school system, the only limit to their achievements being the level of their desire. Moreover, I strongly feel they profited from their contact with the broad range of backgrounds of their classmates. They all developed friendships with students from quite diverse homes, and this has led them to become better citizens, and to develop more mature perspectives.  

Of course my wife and I did our best to supplement what the public school provides, with travel, books, and a variety of educational experiences. These indeed are a responsibility and even a duty of all parents, but the Haywood County School System does have an obligation as well to provide enriched experiences for the gifted students that would profit from them. The current cutbacks in funding have hurt the ability to provide more than they currently do.

I think the public has several concerns about the charter school, some of which I share. The first of these is that it smacks of elitism, and that the students of the charter school are somehow superior. There is already so much polarization in our country that this is a dangerous idea to foster, and one which leads to hostility and misunderstanding.

Another concern is that the charter school will take desperately needed funds from the public schools and uses it in ways that may be inefficient and even experimental.  

Finally, there is concern that by funneling off bright and well-prepared students, it impoverishes the public school experience for all. I would add that the quality of education is diminished as well for gifted students who are sequestered with other gifted students, as it deprives them of real world context for their learning. Rubbing shoulders with children that come from all walks of life can only give students from more advantaged homes a greater sense of the diversity of their community and their place in it.

In closing, it is apparent that the organizers of the Charter School have expended considerable activity and money on this project. I would venture that had they spent the same effort on enriching the public school experience, they would be further along toward their goals. I would hope to see them reconsider, and invest in the excellent school system we have now, and use their talent and energy to contribute, rather than to divide.

And if they should do so, I believe their children, and Haywood County, will do very well.”

Billy Dinwiddie

Waynesville

It’s that time again — get together your best garden produce and crafty handiwork to enter in the Haywood County Fair, this year scheduled for Aug. 25 to 31.

Several local teenagers were among those who recently completed a six-week internship in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Fears that the bird flu could spread to North Carolina have prompted the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to take measures to prevent that happening. 

All poultry owners — even those who keep just a few chickens in the backyard — must register for an N.C. Farm I.D. number. The goal is to make it easier for the department to alert poultry owners in the event of an outbreak. Anyone who is already part of the National Poultry Improvement Plan is exempt from the requirement. www.ncagr.gov/ncfarmid/index.htm

No poultry shows, live bird sales or poultry swap meets will be allowed from Aug. 15 to Jan. 15, 2016. This includes county fairs, meaning that neither the Haywood nor the Macon County fairs will include poultry shows this year. 

The flu, though not found to affect human health or food safety, has wreaked havoc on poultry farms in the 21 states where it’s been found so far. At this point it hasn’t reached the East Coast, but as it’s thought to be carried by migratory fowl, Officials are bracing for possible introduction during fall migration. 

www.ncagr.gov/avianflu.

Emerald ash borers recently found in a Graham County trap mark the invasive insect’s first appearance in Western North Carolina since it was first discovered in the United States in 2002. 

The finding triggered quarantine rules for the county: no hardwood firewood can be taken out of the county, nor can plant parts of ash trees. Only firewood treated by an approved method such as kiln heating can taken out of the county.

“This is a devastating pest to ash trees, eventually killing the trees where the insects are found,” said N.C. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. 

The emerald ash borer lays its eggs underneath the bark of ash trees, where the larvae then hatch and create tunnels in the living part of the tree before emerging as adults. Affected ash trees display a loss of leaves, increased woodpecker activity and clumps of shoots emerging from their trunks. The beetles have caused the decline and death of tens of millions of trees across the country. 

The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will put purple, triangle-shaped traps out during early August to monitor for the ash borer’s presence in other counties. While Graham is the first WNC county where it’s been found, it is present on the Tennessee side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and in 11 other North Carolina counties down east.

Improvements to the crowded trailhead parking on the east side of Panthertown Valley, a recreation area in the Nantahala National Forest outside Cashiers, are underway.

The main trailhead on the Transylvania side of Panthertown is limited to make-shift parking along the side of a gravel road. The new parking area will create up to 12 designated spaces.

“On super peak days people are parked all along the shoulder of the road. This should relieve some of that pressure. It may not park everybody on peak times, but on normal days, it should provide adequate parking that doesn’t encumber the roadway like it does now,” said Matt McCombs, spokesperson for the national forests in Western North Carolina.

Parking on the road shoulder will still be a necessity on summer weekends given the volume of waterfall-seeking hikers.

The access road to the trailhead will be closed weekdays through Aug. 14.

The project is a cooperative effort between Friends of Panthertown and the U.S. Forest Service and uses a grant from the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Division of Parks and Recreation. 828.524.6441.

A plan to guide wildlife management in North Carolina for the next 10 years is being developed and public input sought.

The plan outlines threats to species of concern and their habitats, as well as possible measures to address those threats.

The current North Carolina Wildlife Action Plan dates back to 2005, Federal and state agencies, non-governmental organizations, conservation stakeholders and members of the public were all involved in creating it. 

Features of the revised plan that differ from the 2005 version include:

• Including global warming as a threat for species and habitats.
• A ranking proccess for conservation status, risk and needs of various species.
• Better access on varying electronic platforms. 
• An evaluation process for prioritizing species for conservation, research and management. Some types of ocean species and insects that were not included in the last plan were added in this version.   
• Improved habitat descriptions of 12 aquatic, eight wetland, 21 terrestrial and 17 river basin habitats.
• Specific threats for each habitat and recommendations for each.

The plan is online at www.ncwildlife.org/conserving/2015wildlifeactionplan.aspx. Send comments by Aug. 18. to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The body of a missing Haywood County man was found in Richland Creek near Lake Junaluska on Aug. 3.

Johnnie Rathbone, 67, of Mauney Cove Road in Waynesville, was reported missing by family members Monday morning after not having heard from him since Saturday. During routine patrol, a deputy found Rathbone’s car around 2:45 p.m. at a parking area off U.S. 19 near Lake Junaluska golf course.

Search and rescue personnel discovered Rathbone’s body around 5 p.m. in Richland Creek about 200 yards from his car. An autopsy will be performed to verify cause of death.

A child from Macon County has been diagnosed with La Crosse Viral Encephalitis according to Macon County Health Director Jim Bruckner.

The child is home and recovering from symptoms, but Bruckner said it is important for everyone to take necessary precautions to prevent mosquito-borne illnesses.

“La Crosse Encephalitis is actually the most common mosquito-borne illness in North Carolina, and is found predominantly in the western part of the state,” said Bruckner. 

Two other mosquito-borne diseases, Eastern equine encephalitis and West Nile virus, are also found in North Carolina. While Eastern equine encephalitis is found largely in the eastern part of the state, West Nile virus is found statewide.

Donald Dewhurst, M.D. of Macon County Public Health said La Crosse symptoms occur from a few days up to two weeks after being bitten by an infected mosquito. These symptoms include fever, headache, nausea and vomiting. There may be neurologic symptoms such as confusion or loss of balance and in more severe cases, convulsions or coma may occur. Children and the elderly are the most susceptible to the disease. 

 www.epi.state.nc.us/epi/arbovirus.

A former Jackson County Sheriff’s Deputy pled guilty to a misdemeanor charge of obstructing justice following an Oct. 25 party that involved underage drinking and led to charges of statutory rape against two other men.

A Jackson County detention officer was fired this summer after firing a Taser gun on a coworker.

By Katie Reeder • SMN Intern

When Chad Arnold pulled into War Paint Kennels during fall bear season in 2011, Jerry Parker pegged him as just another flat-lander willing to fork out big dough to bag a bear.

QUESTION: Are chickens given steroids? 

ANSWER:  NO!

Despite what you may have heard from that TV celebrity doctor, the fearmongering food blogger, or even a well-intentioned neighbor; chickens in the United States are not given hormones (steroids) to promote their growth, and in fact it’s illegal.

A 1-mile race through downtown Waynesville on Friday, Aug. 21, will benefit the Shriners Hospitals for Children in Greenville, S.C.

Several Franklin property owners have made it a priority to garden with wildlife in mind, earning recognition from the National Wildlife Federation as Certified Wildlife Habitats. 

Following in the footsteps of the Franklin Garden Club at Clock Tower and Rankin Square, the Historical Society Museum and Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum have attained certification along with the UPS Store at Franklin Plaza, which may be the tiniest and busiest little green space in the entire state. 

To qualify, gardens must provide wildlife with food, water, cover and a place to raise their young. They must also employ sustainable gardening techniques, such as use of native plants an limited water consumption. 

Easy to get started with a birdbath, some shrubbery for cover and food, hanging a birdfeeder and birdhouse and watch to see the little creatures arrive,” said Franklin resident Debby Boots. “This is a good project for any church or school group who wants to help and learn more about wildlife.”

www.nwf.org/How-to-Help/Garden-for-Wildlife/Certify-Your-Wildlife-Garden.aspx

The animals of Balsam Mountain Trust will make the rounds next week in a pair of library programs in Waynesville and Sylva.

Fans of solar are invited to toast the success of a solar energy initiative launched in the mountains this spring with a celebration beginning 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, at Innovation Brewing in Sylva. 

Solarize WNC has held seven community education forums in Jackson, Macon, Haywood and Swain counties in recent months, causing 53 people sign up for energy efficiency evaluations and contractor estimates, with some following through on solar installations. Innovation Brewing is one such business. 

Solarize WNC, a collaboration of The Canary Coalition and Clean Energy for North Carolina, is an initiative to educate people on the hows, whys and wheres of solar energy and to bring them in contact with pre-vetted companies that provide those services. The initiative also negotiates lower installation prices and free estimates for its members. 

The afternoon at Innovation Brewing will feature a beer specially brewed for the occasion by brewmaster Chip Owen, and members of Solarize WNC and Clean Energy for N.C. to supply printed materials and answer questions. Owen and co-owner Nichole Dexter will be around to show off the solar work being done to their business. 

Innovation, 828.586.9678 or Solarize WNC, 828.631.3447 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. www.cleanenergyfor.us/clean-energy-for-wnc

Renowned storyteller Donald Davis will be performing at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, in Stuart Auditorium at Lake Junaluska.

The 10th annual Sarge’s Animal Rescue Foundation “Dog Walk” will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, at the Haywood County Courthouse in Waynesville.

The seventh annual Mountain High BBQ Festival and Car Show will be held Aug. 7-8 at the Wayne Proffitt Agricultural Center in Franklin. Gates will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.

The second annual Richard’s Run 5K will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, at the Cataloochee Guest Ranch in Maggie Valley.

The event is named in memory of Richard Coker, a beloved member of the ranch family, who lost his battle with brain cancer in December 2013 at the age of 55. The trail run will cross the ranch grounds near the border of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with Hemphill Bald, one of Coker’s favorite places, as a dramatic backdrop. 

There will be awards for the winners, with live music by the Darren Nicholson Band (Americana/bluegrass). Nicholson is the mandolinist for Balsam Range, the 2014 IBMA “Entertainer of the Year.”

Registration is $25.

www.richardsrun.org.

Americana/bluegrass act Through the Hills will perform at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6, in the Community Room of the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva.

Legendary group The Charlie Daniels Band will perform at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin.

Merlefest songwriting contest winners Zoe & Cloyd will perform at 8 p.m. Thursday, July 30, at The Strand at 38 Main in Waynesville.

To the Editor:

House Speaker John Boehner boasted in a mass e-mail that he had gotten ahead of President Obama in ordering flags at the Capitol to be flown at half-staff in memory of the four Marines and a sailor who were murdered by a lone terrorist at Chattanooga.

It was an appropriate gesture, considering that the killer targeted them for the flag they served, but it was still only a gesture. Should  Boehner care to do something meaningful, he would confront the gun lobby over assault weapons like the one that left the corpses strewn at Chattanooga.

The slaughter at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut ought to have prompted the overdue passage of a ban on such weapons. But since the only results were a nearly nationwide display of political cowardice and the sale of more, not fewer, of those firearms, it isn’t likely this loss will make a difference.

Still, one can always hope, and call out the poltroons who pimp themselves for the gun lobby’s votes and money rather than stand up for the rest of us.

Congress has the power to regulate strictly or even ban such weapons of mass destruction. Even the Supreme Court’s misreading of the Second Amendment in 2008 voided only a prohibition on gun ownership per se.  

Historian Joseph Ellis, an authority on the origins of our republic, writes in his new book, The Quartet, about the drafting and ratification of the Constitution, which he credits to the concerted efforts of George Washington, John Jay, Alexander Hamilton and James Madison.

In drafting what became the Second Amendment, says Ellis, Madison was “responding to recommended amendments from five states, calling for the prohibition of a permanent standing army on the grounds that it had historically proven to be an enduring threat to Republican values.”

So Madison’s intention was “to assure those skeptical souls that the defense of the United States would depend on state militias rather than a professional, federal army.”

That accounts for the predicate clause about a “well regulated militia,” which the courts respected for two centuries as the sole reason for the Second Amendment.

“The right to bear arms derived from the need to make state militias the core pillar of national defense,” Ellis explains. Justice Antonin Scalia’s contrary finding “is an elegant example of legalistic legerdemain masquerading as erudition” and Madison “is rolling over in his grave.”

If Scalia and certain cohorts on the court were truly as originalist as they claim to be, they would have read the Second Amendment in the context of its times. There wasn’t a firearm on earth from which an expert could manage more than three rounds a minute. The Connecticut and Chattanooga massacres would have been inconceivable.

Martin A. Dyckman 

Waynesville 

Davey Webb (alias Davey Williams): an agent with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources who first started hunting with the Crisps in the fall of 2010.

Three grants have been awarded by The Fund for Haywood County, totaling about $7,000. 

This fund is an affiliate of The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina and is a permanent endowment intended to meet the needs of local nonprofits. These awards included a $2,050 grant to Girls on the Run of Western North-Carolina-Haywood-County. As an afterschool program that aims to integrate self-confidence and running for health, the grant will help to sustain and expand their efforts in Haywood County Schools. 

“The value of the program is to help young girls gain respect and feel empowered to be the best they can,” said head coach Nicole Foster. 

Teams of girls, third to eighth grade, participate and, due to the grant, this is the first year for a team from Meadowbrook Elementary. Haywood Waterways Association also received $3,360 for the Lake Junaluska greenway project. This project has plans to slow the erosion of the shoreline in order to maintain the lake for continued use. Sarge’s Animal Rescue Foundation was granted $1,500 by Haywood County, as well. With the extra funds, Sarge’s — an organization dedicated to the rescue and adoption of pets — will be able to “save several cats and dogs who would otherwise have been left behind out of financial necessity,” said Executive Director Laura Parrott Ivey. 

The grant is already showing its fruitfulness in the rescue story of Breezy, “a lovely Staffordshire terrier who was heartworm positive and now is cured and recovering in the comfort of her foster home.” More animals like Breezy will now have the opportunity to be treated, saved and hopefully adopted.

Francis “Jack” James was recognized on June 26 by the “We Honor Veterans” program for his years of military service. 

He served overseas in the Army from 1944 to 1946. This program is a partnership of the Veteran’s Administration and Haywood Regional Medical Center Hospice and serves to honor veterans under Hospice care. The ceremony took place in his home on June 26 and he received a pin, a certificate, and a red, white and blue quilt in appreciation for his service.

Candidates for the two chief offices up for election this year will square off in a pair of debates at the Chief Joyce Dugan Cultural Arts Center in Cherokee next week. 

Sponsored by the Junaluska Leadership Council and the Cherokee One Feather, the debates will cover topics including freedom of the press, separation of powers, government transparency, economic development, addiction issues, alcohol sales on the reservation, the minors fund and land use. One Feather editor Robert Jumper will moderate. 

• Vice chief candidates Larry Blythe (incumbent) and Richie Sneed will take the stage at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4. 

• Principal chief candidates Tunney Crowe and Patrick Lambert will debate at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6. 

Official write-in candidates are encouraged to participate with an RSVP to The One Feather. Both debates are free and open to the public. The Cultural Arts Center is located at Cherokee Central Schools on Ravensford Drive. 

828.359.6261.

QUESTION: What should I be looking at when I buy cereal? Fiber? Calories? Fat? Sugar....I'm so confused!

ANSWER:  Eating cereal is a good way to get fiber in your breakfast meal.  You can also have cereal as a snack with milk or use it to top plain Greek yogurt.  Since the main goal of cereal is the fiber , that should definitely be something you look for.