LATEST NEWS
Counties adapt to concerning SNAP error rate changes
Editor’s note: An article in last week’s The Smoky Mountain News titled “ What $144 million looks like” examined how President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill impacted SNAP and Medicaid recipients. This week, SMN examines how the legislation impacts county governments in Western North Carolina.
Somewhere inside the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the feds are crunching numbers to determine how accurately North Carolina distributed Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments to its eligible residents in Fiscal Year 2026.
Those number-crunchers are analyzing data from state and federal agencies for quality control purposes. They want to make sure the…
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Jackson Democrats flip county commission
When Jackson County Democrats reached out to Marcia Almond encouraging her to run for county commission chair, she considered what motivates her and what could motivate voters.
The…
New Clyde VFW post aims to change the culture
When those who deploy to foreign countries wearing a uniform of the United States military return home, it can be hard to feel a sense of purpose in…
A foundational language program in need of change
At a nearly four-hour Nov. 3 Cherokee Language Program work session at the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) Tribal Council House, participants and leadership agreed to address…
Qualla debt conversion agreement approved, board members reinstated
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Tribal Council passed two notable resolutions on Nov. 5 regarding its relationship with Qualla Enterprises LLC, the tribe’s cannabis venture. Resolution 293…
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Outdoors
Haywood Waterways hosts ‘Plantsgiving’ in Waynesville
Haywood Waterways is looking for volunteers interested in a planting opportunity at Vance Street Park in Waynesville.
The planting will take place from 2-3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov.…
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Brotherhood and backwoods tradition: Balsam Range celebrates 20 years
Since I started as the arts and entertainment editor here at The Smoky Mountain News some 14 years ago, I’ve been able to dive deep into the legend and lore of bluegrass sensation Balsam Range, our “local boys done good,” as they say. The quintet was my first assignment for this newspaper — I covered the…
This must be the place
This must be the place: ‘She just smiled and laughed at me, and took her blues back again’
I’ve always dreamed of living a weird life. Not a self-destructive one. Not one of chaos and confusion. But, one of constant movement and interaction with strangers who became fast friends over a cold pint of beer or simply talking in a parking lot because I liked their T-shirt or they liked mine. That’s all.
…
This must be the place: Ode to receiving letters, ode to chasing the horizon
The other day, I received a letter on my desk in the newsroom. Being the rambler that I am, I’m rarely in the office anymore, save coming in on Tuesdays to put this newspaper to bed and kick it off to the printer. The letter was the only new item on the desk, so I noticed it immediately. It was from one of you fine…
Make Local Foods Part of Your Holiday Meals
Think about ways to incorporate local foods and beverages in your holiday meals. This not only supports these local farms and companies but also those they employ in our communities.
From the produce section to beverages, save some space in your recipes, on your table and in your home to include local products.
Here are…
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Breakfast: Old Rule vs New Habits
Old Rule: “A light breakfast of a croissant or toast with black coffee is enough.”
Reality: For most of us, 100-400 calories, all coming from carbohydrates or carbohydrates and fat, is just not enough to start the day and maintain our energy level for long. If you’re not eating enough at breakfast, chances are good…
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Partner content: Taste of Local
Thursday, October 29 • 3pm-6pm Ingles Markets • 630 Champion Drive • Canton Complimentary Samples (Limited Availability)
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Partner content: Old Food Rules to Put to Rest
Old rule: “Kids should eat everything on their plate, even if they aren’t hungry.”
Reality: This was definitely a rule I grew up with, perhaps due to parents who were born at the end of the Depression and experienced food restrictions during World War II. When we force children to “clean their plates,” even after…
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Maybe this will save our public lands
Regardless of party preference, one element was consistent during last week’s historical midterm election. We were all stunned and impressed at the power of democracy. The 2026 midterms…
letters to the editor
River otters a menace to trout
A highlight of my week is getting to read the…
Framers never imagined Trump
Individual rights are at the heart of the Constitution, as expressed…