Smoky Mountain News

05/12/2025

Drake Barlow walks up to home plate with the most swagger out of anyone on game days. He sports a sick pair of shades, some Catamount gear and a toothy grin that coaches across the Southern Conference have come to know.

Drake Barlow walks up to home plate with the most swagger out of anyone on game days. He sports a sick pair of shades, some Catamount gear and a toothy grin that coaches across the Southern Conference have come to know.  When the pregame meeting is over, Barlow walks back to the Western Carolin...

05/12/2025

“There’s enjoyment and there’s convenience. As things become more and more convenient, I think people look for ways to invest their time and find enjoyment.”

One recent afternoon, while wandering the Historic Frog Level District in Waynesville, the sounds of hard rock act AC/DC drifted out the front door of 24 Commerce St. The retro sign on the window states Astro Record Store. The friendly face behind the counter is Kevin “Lippy” Mawby.  “The...

05/11/2025

"I was gifted the book 'The Secret Life of Sunflowers' (by Marta Molnar, 2022, 399 pages) and told I would like it. Usually, this kind of gift ends up not being what it was purported to be by the gift-giver. However, there are exceptions, and this was one of them. In a book that is really two books with alternating chapters and totally different time frames and characters, it is a bit of a bipolar read. But there are connections that one can follow if reading the complete book as designed."

I was gifted the book “The Secret Life of Sunflowers” (by Marta Molnar, 2022, 399 pages) and told I would like it. Usually, this kind of gift ends up not being what it was purported to be by the gift-giver. However, there are exceptions, and this was one of them. In a book that is really tw...

05/11/2025

The challenge for those in charge of tourism is not easy. If you live in one of the most beauti-ful places on the earth — like we in Western North Carolina — then you have to walk a fine line between commodification of the place you love and the desire to attract and accom-modate those who come to see it.

I’m sitting alone in the cockpit of the boat anchored at Cape Lookout National Seashore off the coast of North Carolina in the early morning, and I’m about to write a column about tourism. Sipping my coffee, though, I’m distracted as a cool May breeze rattles the halyards.  A huge loggerh...

05/10/2025

"To preface, as per usual, I’m not really sure where this week’s column is headed in real time, all while my fingers are currently rolling across the keyboard. The slight rush of caffeine pushing through my veins while I sit in Panacea Coffee Company. The sounds of indie-rockers Blitzen Trapper echoing through my headphones."

Wednesday. Late morning. Another bluebird sky day here in the mountains of Western North Carolina. Warm rays of sunshine greeted my face when I stepped off the porch of my humble abode apartment in downtown Waynesville. Put the truck in drive and begin the day.  To preface, as per usual, I’m ...

05/10/2025

OPINION: "Donald Trump has adjusted his spiel from 'I’ll reduce the price of eggs, bacon and lettuce on DAY ONE!!!' to 'We’ll need to take our medicine.' That’s a stunning switcheroo since I was gearing up for a cheaper BLT on day one!"

To The Editor: Donald Trump has adjusted his spiel from “I’ll reduce the price of eggs, bacon and lettuce on DAY ONE!!!” to “We’ll need to take our medicine.” That’s a stunning switcheroo since I was gearing up for a cheaper BLT on day one! But now I’m on medication to cure me of my ...

05/10/2025

OPINION: "On April 5 over 1,000 American citizens showed up at the Haywood County historic courthouse to stand up for democracy and our Constitution. We were not 'bussed' in and we most certainly weren’t paid to be there. Some folks would like you to believe that all the citi-zens that were there were not locals — hate to be the bearer of bad news, many were Haywood County natives."

To The Editor: On April 5 over 1,000 American citizens showed up at the Haywood County historic courthouse to stand up for democracy and our Constitution. We were not “bussed” in and we most certainly weren’t paid to be there. Some folks would like you to believe that all the citi-zens that we...

05/10/2025

05/09/2025

Melanie Sue Bowles will join Renea Wi******er for a conversation about their books, publishing and Bowles’ work at the Proud Spirit Horse Sanctuary at 3 p.m. Saturday, May 10, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva.

Melanie Sue Bowles will join Renea Wi******er for a conversation about their books, publishing and Bowles’ work at the Proud Spirit Horse Sanctuary at 3 p.m. Saturday, May 10, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva. Bowles, founder of the nearly 35-year-old sanctuary, is an award-winning author of thre...

05/09/2025

After a closed session discussion on May 8, the Town of Canton Board of Aldermen/Women approved an interim agreement with Two Banks Development to ensure the continued treatment of municipal wastewater, staving off a potential public utility crisis following the closure of the town’s long-time partner in sewage processing.

Canton’s toilets will continue to flush thanks to an agreement born of urgency but put on paper with cooperation and cautious optimism. After a closed session discussion on May 8, the Town of Canton Board of Aldermen/Women approved an interim agreement with Two Banks Development to ensure the cont...

05/09/2025

The 22nd annual Whole Bloomin’ Thing Festival will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 10, in the Historic Frog Level District of Waynesville.

Children’s activities, local growers and artisans/crafters, flowering baskets, herbs, outdoor decor, live music and more.

The 22nd annual Whole Bloomin’ Thing Festival will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 10, in the Historic Frog Level District of Waynesville. Children’s activities, local growers and artisans/crafters, flowering baskets, herbs, outdoor decor, live music and more. Businesses in the di...

05/09/2025

The “Mother’s Day Gemboree” will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. May today and tomorrow and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Macon County Community Building in Franklin.

Rough and cut gems, minerals, fine jewelry, supplies, beads, door prizes, dealers, exhibits, demonstrations and more.

The “Mother’s Day Gemboree” will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 9-10 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 11 at the Macon County Community Building in Franklin. Rough and cut gems, minerals, fine jewelry, supplies, beads, door prizes, dealers, exhibits, demonstrations and more.  Sponsored by the...