A trap-and-release effort based in North Carolina is helping to boost wild turkey populations in Texas. 

Three water champions were recognized for their work to improve Haywood County’s rivers, streams and reservoirs during 2018 at Haywood Waterways Association’s annual membership dinner last month.

The federal government shutdown created some delays in getting applications processed for the Agriculture Disaster Relief Program of 2018, but the first two rounds of checks from the $240 million program have now been sent. 

Macon County Commissioners Jim Tate and Ronnie Beale and County Manager Derek Roland recently joined voting delegates from counties throughout the state to determine the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners’ legislative priorities for the 2019-20 biennium session of the North Carolina General Assembly. 

HCA Healthcare, a leading healthcare provider with 185 hospitals and approximately 1,800 sites of care in 21 states and the United Kingdom, today announced it has completed the purchase of Mission Health, a six-hospital system in Asheville and Western North Carolina, for approximately $1.5 billion.  

201 Barber Blvd, Waynesville. Thursday, February 7, 3-6 p.m.

To the Editor:

In last week’s guest opinion column, Isaac Herrin invited us to think rationally about the government shutdown and the President’s wall. OK, challenge accepted. And what better things to ponder than the President’s own words. Let’s take a look at those, then come to rational conclusions, shall we?

Regarding Trump’s border wall, Mr. Herrin states “what he is fighting for is exactly what he campaigned on,” yet he doesn’t state exactly what Trump’s campaign promise was. We’ll let candidate Trump speak for himself. From a campaign memo, April 2016, “It’s an easy decision for Mexico: make a one-time payment of $5 to $10 billion.” From a campaign rally, April 2016, Trump: “Who’s going to pay for the wall?” crowd: “Mexico!” Trump: “A hundred percent!”  

Rational conclusion: the President should not be demanding that we and future generations pay billions of dollars for his wall when he repeatedly said during his campaign that Mexico will pay for it.

Mr. Herrin states “Democrats are unwilling to sit down with the President to discuss border security” yet he offers no proof of that. On January 10, Congressional Democrats did indeed sit down with the President for the sole purpose of discussing the shutdown and border security, but the President chose to walk out abruptly. Although there are differing accounts of exactly how the President left the meeting, no one, not even the President, disputes that he did leave on his own accord.  

Trump’s Twitter words about his departure: “I said bye-bye” (the equivalent of a six-year-old taking his ball and going home just because he isn’t winning the game). Rational conclusion: it is not Democrats who are unwilling to sit down and talk about border security.

In his last sentence, Mr. Herrin blames Democrats for the shutdown yet he doesn’t offer even as much as a suggestion as to how he came to that conclusion. In a televised meeting with Congressional Democrats on December 11, the President said “I am proud to shut down the government ... I will take the mantle. I will be the one to shut it down. I’m not going to blame you for it.” Rational conclusion: the President alone owns the shutdown. 

Although the word “rational” is a part of the word “rationalizing,” the two words can have nearly opposite meanings. Rationalizing can mean using plausible but untrue reasons in an attempt to justify a false conclusion. In that sense of the word, Mr. Herrin did a bang up job of rationalizing, but if he has any real interest in the truly rational, he will start listening to the words that come from the person he seems so desperate to defend.

Bruce Buchanan

Sylva

To the Editor:

Cannot the “Resisters of the Wall” and Democrats who suggest we don’t need a wall because it’s possible to build a tunnel or ladder understand that deterring illegal immigrants at a barrier with good roads to speed interception would allow more patrol and money for drug detection a  ports of entry where allegedly most contraband enters? If Israel can detect tunnels 180-feet deep, so also could the United States. 

I strongly support President Trump and Congressman Mark Meadow during the government shutdown tied to their border security plan for the protection of our citizens country and sovereignty.

If Meadows/Trump started a legitimate fund that would go to a physical barrier, etc., there are multitudes that would donate. I have little confidence in these unknown “go fund me sites.” That along with a little over $5 billion of our taxes would greatly enhance our security.

I also point out that in 2013 Senate Democrats almost unanimously supported a bill that funded 350 miles of border wall. The $5.7 billion only funds about 240 miles. They supported a bill funding 350 miles and now shut the government down over 240. This seems not a display of wisdom but of hateful ignorance. 

Sue Long

Waynesville

To the Editor:

For the last 19 years I’ve been reading (frequently) how semi-trucks are a hazard on Highlands Road between Highlands and Franklin. Like other persistent knotty problems (drug use, drunk driving, various criminal activities and the like), why is everything so complicated? It ain’t rocket science, why is it made to seem so?

The reason these problems exist and persist is there’s insufficient deterrents. And yes, “stricter law enforcement” (as stated in the January 16 Smoky Mountain News article) is the solution to keeping tractor trailers off Highlands Road.

A few signs cannot be that expensive. But of course it helps if they’re the right signs. For example: “Tractor Trailers Prohibited, Fine (first offense) $1,000, (second offense) $5,000 plus 30 days in jail, last available turn-around, 500 feet.”

Write, and enforce, laws similar to these I have suggested and one hazard will be eliminated...

David L. Snell 

Franklin

According to the District Attorney's Office, it’s gotten quieter in the Dutch Cove community near Canton since Matthew Dillon Smathers, 34, was recently sentenced to 86 to 134 months in prison by Judge Alan Thornburg in Haywood County Superior Court. 

The Junaluska Sanitary District experienced a discharge of untreated sewage from a blockage in a manhole due to mop heads, rags and towels.

Diversity and inclusivity are easy goals for a university to set, inclusion educator Aminata Cairo said during her keynote address Wednesday, Jan. 23, as part of the weeklong Martin Luther King Jr. celebration at Western Carolina University.

According to the District Attorny's Office, it’s gotten quieter in the Dutch Cove community near Canton since Matthew Dillon Smathers, 34, was recently sentenced to 86 to 134 months in prison by Judge Alan Thornburg in Haywood County Superior Court. 

Haywood Regional Medical Center will host a public service training and emergency response simulation with local law enforcement and emergency services personnel from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 30.

There are so many different types of eggs at my Ingles store these days... can you explain what some of the labels mean like ...organic... free-range... pasture-raised... and cage-free?

By Isaac Herrin • Guest Columnist

OK, let’s get the opposing comments out of the way: “Rationally, Trump should open the government and stop being petty,” “The last thing a Trump supporter is allowed to say is we need to be rational,” “If you think this is on the Democrats, you’re just blind.”

To the Editor:

“Government shutdown is not really about a wall.” Correct. It is the Democrat “resist, resist, resist” philosophy. “... functioning governments require negotiations …” Also correct. Speaker Nancy Pelosi should be negotiating instead of taking a luxurious vacation in Puerto Rico or a seven-day junket. 

Congressman Mark Meadows doesn’t favor shutdown. I hope at every opportunity he is advising President Trump that border security is absolutely necessary for this country as we know it to survive. I hope Congressman Meadows is reminding President Trump that President Reagan made the mistake of taking the word of Democrats who promised a wall in exchange for a one-time amnesty but reneged and are now asking for another amnesty (DACA).

In 2009, Sen. Chuck Schumer said strong border security was necessary. He denies that. Watch One America News network for the truth.  Congressman Meadows doesn’t favor the shutdown but he puts our country ahead of illegal immigrants. Schumer and Pelosi put illegal immigrants ahead of our country and 800,000 unpaid workers due to Democrat inaction.

Our national defense is the President’s foremost duty, to which border security is key. I urge Congressman Meadows and President Trump to stay the course to achieve a bipartisan agreement ending shutdown.

Ted Carr

Bethel

To the Editor:

The other night I dreamed I talked with Jesus. That’s right! Jesus! Jesus Christ! The same Jesus that evangelicals claim to worship. I said, Jesus, the book of Matthew (KJV), Chapter 14, verse 19 reads — “And he commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.” Later in verse 21 he said — “And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children.”

Jesus smiled at me. I said, “Jesus, had you made any eligibility determination before you fed those people? Were there some who were just taking advantage of your generosity like the migrants at the United States/Mexico border are today?”

Jesus looked at me intently and said firmly, “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.” Then He walked away. I woke up wondering if I have been merciful enough with my fellow human beings.

Dave Waldrop

Webster

The Southern Highlands Reserve is honoring two mountain residents as its volunteers of the year. 

Haywood Gleaners is looking for a co-field glean coordinator to assist in its efforts to feed the hungry with fresh produce that would otherwise go to waste. 

Despite the ongoing government shutdown, two visitor centers in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park were open over Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend thanks to a donation from Friends of the Smokies. Appropriations from federal recreation fees are also keeping a third visitor center, as well as a variety of restroom facilities, open during the shutdown. 

The committee leading the national search for the next chancellor of Western Carolina University has narrowed the pool of candidates down to 10 contenders who will be invited to participate in off-campus interviews set for Thursday, Jan. 31, through Saturday, Feb. 2.

The Federal Shut-Down is, or soon will be, affecting federal workers, federal and local food assistance deliveries, food-insecure citizens, and many more. 

An ordinance that would have codified a laboriously passed December resolution abolishing the Qualla Housing Authority was tabled during the Cherokee Tribal Council’s Jan. 10 meeting. 

Haywood Regional Medical Center has begun limited visitation at the hospital due to the increased number of positive flu cases in the hospital, physician practices and urgent care locations. 

The Jackson County Public Library in Sylva will be starting a monthly documentary series called “DocuWednesday.” 

Friends of the Smokies announced Thursday that it will temporarily fund the reopening of Sugarlands Visitor Center near Gatlinburg, Tenn., and Oconaluftee Visitor Center near Cherokee, N.C., from Friday through Monday, Jan. 18-21.

A Jackson County Detention Center inmate is currently at Mission Hospital in Asheville after having been found unresponsive.

To the Editor:

No living human will witness a return to a preindustrial global climate. Humanity’s best efforts in transitioning away from fossil fuels will be a lengthy process and we have only begun. Science tells us that natural means of carbon capture will take many centuries for a return to normal and we’re currently adding CO2 to the atmosphere at a growing pace. Are we doomed? Well, seemingly, yes.

To the Editor:

“I’m gonna build a big, beautiful wall and Mexico is gonna pay for it, I promise you.” 

The CEO of one of the Blue Ridge Parkway’s most important nonprofit partners recently received a prestigious national award. 

A total eclipse of the moon will occur Sunday, Jan. 20, with multiple opportunities to view this Super Blood Wolf Moon event in the company of experts. 

Wet weather was the norm across Western North Carolina last year, and Grandfather Mountain was no exception — a record 123.62 inches of precipitation fell there in 2018. 

A small kitchen fire caused big problems at Waynesville’s Pigeon Community Multicultural Development Center Jan. 8, prompting the organization to seek out donations so it can resume operations. 

Great Smoky Mountains National Park announced that recently closed areas of the park were once again accessible to visitors beginning Sunday, Jan. 13. Some basic visitor services, including campgrounds and restrooms, reopened using revenue generated by recreation fees. 

SmartFinancial, Inc., the parent company of SmartBank, and Entegra Financial Corp., the parent company of Entegra Bank, jointly announced Tuesday the signing of a definitive merger agreement pursuant to which Entegra will combine with SmartFinancial in a strategic merger of equals.

Tying in with Western Carolina University’s 2018-19 campus learning theme “Defining America,” the keynote speaker for this year’s Martin Luther King Jr. celebration on campus will speak on the topic “Re-Defining Us in All of Our Richness.”

1141 Tunnel Road, Asheville, Thursday, January 24 • 3-6 p.m. Meet 20+ local farmers and craft food, sauce, beer and cider makers and sample products!

A record 3,859 people rang in the New Year at North Carolina State Parks by participating in one of the 57 First Day Hikes offered at parks statewide. 

A black bear found dead in Hyde County in Eastern North Carolina has tested positive for rabies, the first known case of a rabies-positive black bear in the state, according to the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. 

Winter Lights at the N.C. Arboretum had a record-setting season, drawing nearly 40,000 guests over the course of its six-week run ending Dec. 31. 

The Nature Conservancy’s work to promote sustainable forestry in Western North Carolina has been recognized with the organization receiving one of this year’s Root Cause Awards, which celebrate achievement in local forest products and sustainable forestry. 

To the Editor

We must save the Trump Presidency. Build the Wall!

Never mind that it mortgages our children’s future. What’s another $5 billion? We must keep our priorities straight. It doesn’t matter what is best for our country, and Texas is a big state; they can handle the environmental destruction. What counts is saving the Donald. Git ‘er done!

Joanne Strop

Waynesville

Harris Regional Hospital is ringing in 2019 with the year’s first bundle of joy. Weighing 8 pounds and measuring 19.5 inches, Owen Smith was born to Anna and Brett Smith, Monday, Jan. 1, at 5:30 a.m.

It's that time of year when many of us, filled with remorse over one too many cookies or glasses of eggnog combined with skipping our workouts decide to try a detox or cleanse.