Free clinic plugs mental health holes
By Marth Teater • Guest Columnist The Good Samaritan Clinic of Haywood County has served the medical needs of our…
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A ray of hope in the mental health crisis
When it comes to caring for the mentally ill in North Carolina, there’s been very little good news over the…
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A call to action for the Southern Appalachians
By Brent Martin • Guest Columnist In an article in Blue Ridge Country magazine, author and professor Steve Nash provided…
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Closed session minutes an opportunity for openness
What a great way to earn public trust: a public body decides that minutes from closed sessions no longer need…
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For Terry, the world was too much
“Unique” is a word much abused as a descriptor for human beings. I have heard many, many people described as…
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Dillsboro dam is simply worth preserving
By Anna Fariello • Guest Columnist OK, so I have to admit that part of the appeal of the Dillsboro/Duke…
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TVA ruling could signal beginning of a new era
A recent court victory by the state of North Carolina will require the Tennessee Valley Authority to reduce emissions at…
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Electing sheriffs leaves too much to chance
By Bob Scott • Guest Columnist A municipality would never think of electing a chief of police. But in North…
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A duty to protect Swain’s citizens
By Curtis Cochran • Guest Columnist As sheriff of Swain County, I would like to take this opportunity to respond…
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Quieting the monster cries
For nearly a year, my 3-year-old son Jack has been obsessed with heavy machinery. We rent films from the library…
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Military a strong pull in this economy
The military remains a popular employment choice for young people today, and the poor economy is probably helping steer many…
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Celebrating the vision of Joe Legge
Joe Legge’s “official funeral ceremony” was held at the Estatoah Wayfarers’ Chapel in Dillard, Ga., on Jan. 17 at 4…
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Special moments, a spoonful at a time
You hear it often, mostly from those of us who are guilty. I’m talking about making a promise of spending…
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Not a social networking butterfly, but I’m out of the cocoon
Of course I had HEARD of Facebook. I may be well into the marrow of middle age by now, but…
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This time, WCU passes academic integrity test
This time, WCU passes academic integrity test If you want a messy issue with lots of overtones, then let’s talk…
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A year of opportunity
By Carl Iobst • Guest Columnist 2008 was an interesting year. Not the worst on record, but tough enough. 2009…
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A second Gilded Age is upon us
By Bob Scott Steal a loaf of bread to feed your family and you go to jail. Steal $50 billion…
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Here’s to a swift kick to the trash heap for 2008
The new years toasts are over, and we’re a week into 2009. If hindsight is 20-20, then it’s time to…
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Memories of WCTC’s feline director of all things theater
Back in the days when WCU was WCTC (Western Carolina Teachers’ College), I was one of a few kids that…
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It’s past time for land use review to get started
The acknowledgement by Waynesville’s leaders that they let a review of the town’s much-heralded land use plan languish and now…
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It’s all about the kids, right?
We stood looking at the dinosaur for quite awhile. As parents of children ages 7 and 3, we are more…
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Bad economy leads to a few good things
By John Beckman • Guest Columnist A lot of attention lately has been focused on how bad the economic downturn…
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With each visit home, college daughter is more grown up
By David Curtis Just a short two weeks ago I was texting my daughter, who was in the process of…
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That’s me on the couch, counting my blessings
The holidays are upon us, I’m walking almost normal, and I’m ready to sit on the couch and count my…
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Sustainable travel makes sense
By Cynthia Deale • Western Regional Representative, Center for Sustainable Tourism Editor’s note: This series of green living tips is…
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DOT meeting should have been advertised
By James McCarthy • Guest Columnist Did the N.C. Department of Transportation hold an illegal meeting on Dec. 4 at…
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Public land stewardship as economic stimulus
Editor’s Note: The following is testimony delivered by Mark Singleton of Sylva, who is the chairman of the Outdoor Alliance.…
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Waynesville needs to get going on land use plan update
It’s time for Waynesville to get going on its land use plan review, especially since the economic downturn has slowed…
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No guns, no bikes, and no dogs
By Danny Bernstein • Guest Columnist Our national parks have been assaulted by new rulings in the closing days of…
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Schools give money back, Big Three ready to take it
As the economic picture gets more and more bleak, the ironies loom larger and larger. Public school systems, community colleges…
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Don’t jump up and do anything
With Clayton Cathey On a weekday afternoon the Walker Service Station in Waynesville is busy with a steady stream of…
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Open yourself to the simple pleasures of the season
By Linda McFarland • Guest Columnist Here we are in the holidays, the most sacred and profane time of year.…
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Come rain, snow or cold, holiday lights go up
By David Curtis If a tree falls in the forest and no one is there to hear it, does it…
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There are ways to reduce chance of getting the flu
By Dr. Allan Zacher, M.D. Flu season is here. You and your family and friends have not gotten it yet,…
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A reminder to keep the public in mind
“’Official meeting’ means a meeting, assembly, or gathering together at any time or place ... of a majority of the…
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Snow days are like heaven for 12-year-olds
You are 12 years old and it’s December and a school day. The days are shorter now, meaning it is…
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Choices in home energy systems
By Avram Friedman • Executive Director, Canary Coalition Getting “off the grid” is more and more appealing to many of…
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In high school, more than you might imagine do care about politics
By Zack Dean • Smoky Mtn. High School I had to work late on Nov. 4, so upon coming home…
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Forgive yes, but first a look at HRMC’s recent past
The healing power of forgiveness is at the top of the list of things in which I believe strongly. It’s…
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The politics of python invasions
By David Curtis Just when you thought you had enough to worry about here comes a news report that’s right…
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Green Energy Park is not dangerous
By Timm Muth My thanks to the editor for giving me the opportunity to respond to the recent allegations about…
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Signs that we are growing up
Sparta, N.C. – I am on my way to town to get a birthday cake for my son, Jack. He…
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Tuning in once again
The Sweetest Sounds The sweetest sounds I’ll ever hear Are still inside my head. The kindest words I’ll ever know…
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HRMC's survival vital to Haywood
Some are saying Regional Medical Center faces an uncertain future, but we believe it is vitally important for community leaders,…
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Valentine's Day, often, is about survival
By David Curtis Whew ... I survived another Valentine’s Day. That is a big accomplishment if you are a man,…
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In winter, the joy of gardening is the beauty of a blank slate
By Marsha Crites • Guest Columnist Whether I am working on a watercolor design, organizing a community group, decorating a…
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Mental health crisis will need enlightened leadership
By Ed Seavey • Guest Columnist The recent issue of the Smoky Mountain News (Jan. 16, “WNC Confronts Mental Health…
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Resisting the prospect of extinction
By Brent Martin Almost 10 years ago, science writer David Quammen published an essay in Harper’s Magazine titled A Planet…
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The innate traits of the male species
By Stephanie Wampler Step-by-cautious step, the man crosses the room, casting his eyes in all directions to make sure no…
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A favorite plant
By Jim Janke • Special to SMN Editor’s note: This is a regular feature on gardening by the Haywood County…
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