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Western Carolina University is ready to meet the challenges of a fall semester during unprecedented times
By Kelli R. Brown • Guest Columnist | These are uncertain and challenging times. Our communities, our state and our nation…
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A strange back-to-school season for everyone
From my earliest memories, the back-to-school season has been a flurry of excitement. Both my parents were teachers. I worked…
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Trump trying to end your benefits
To the Editor: Got Social Security? Got a back-up plan for living without it? Payroll taxes fund Social Security. Trump,…
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Cawthorn doesn’t deserve youth vote
To the Editor: Madison Cawthorn, newly 25 and a GOP candidate for the 11th Congressional District, may be a young…
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U.S. Postmaster needs to be fired
To the Editor: I can’t begin to understand the actions of the new Postmaster of the United States Postal Service…
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After Anthony: NC women still struggle for representation
It’s been almost exactly 100 years since the 19th Amendment — often called the Anthony Amendment — was ratified on…
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Lassie Kelly: Franklin’s most influential suffragette
It’s fun to imagine what the people of Macon County must have thought of Lassie Kelly. Born in 1881, she…
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‘We believe in democracy’: For commissioner’s wife, winding road leads to citizenship, voting rights
With the 19th Amendment’s passage now 100 years in the rearview, most American women alive today have been eligible to…
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The Anthony Amendment: Women’s suffrage in NC and beyond
When the United States Constitution was adopted in 1787, left to the states was the power to determine who should…
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Women celebrate a century of suffrage
In recognition of the 19th Amendment’s centennial anniversary this month, The Smoky Mountain News highlights the historic events leading up to…
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Bowling receives Chief Junaluska Award
Long-time Lake Junaluska supporter the Rev. Dr. Robert “Bob” C. Bowling is the 2020 recipient of the Chief Junaluska Award,…
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Final admin shuffle at Haywood schools
At the Aug. 10 Haywood County Schools Board of Education meeting the school board heard the last round of introductions…
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COVID-19 deaths in western counties continue to rise
Although the seven-day rolling average of positive COVID-19 tests continues to trend downwards across the state of North Carolina, western…
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Harm reduction — enabling people to change their lives
Michelle Mathis, chairwoman and interim director of the North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition, admits the organization does enable drug users.
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Resistance to harm reduction grows in Haywood
Tensions ran high at the Aug. 3 Haywood County Board of Commissioners meeting as harm reduction critics become more vocal…
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University employees sue UNC System, Gov. Cooper
Seventeen employees at University of North Carolina System schools — including two from Western Carolina University — are suing the…
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In narrow vote, WCU Faculty Senate opposes reopening
In a nearly split vote held during a special-called meeting Aug. 10, the Western Carolina University Faculty Senate passed a…
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Cawthorn Takes a Hard-Right Turn
‘Pro-Trump,’ defends use of symbols tied to white nationalism By Tom Fiedler AVL Watchdog When then 24-year-old Madison Cawthorn easily…
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Women sentenced for stealing Lake Junaluska vehicle
A Waynesville woman must serve in prison a minimum of six months to a maximum of 17 months for stealing…
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COVID-19 cluster identified at Haywood Regional
The Haywood County Health and Human Services Agency has identified a COVID-19 cluster connected to Haywood Regional Hospital. Currently, fewer…
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Waynesville comprehensive plan nears adoption
After more than two years of planning and public presentations the Town of Waynesville’s new comprehensive land use plan is…
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Jackson allows student athletes to resume practices
As of Tuesday, Aug. 4, Jackson County schools entered phase two for school athletics. The North Carolina High School Athletic…
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Haywood reports 6 more COVID-related deaths
Haywood County Health and Human Services are reporting six additional COVID-19 associated deaths. The individuals died within the last week,…
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Fifth COVID-19 death announced in Jackson
A fifth COVID-19 death has been confirmed in Jackson County.
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Commissioners vote to keep Sylva Sam, with some changes
Jackson County Commissioners voted 4-1 Aug. 4 to keep Sylva Sam in his place overlooking downtown Sylva, but according to…
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The comeback of the turkey a real success
The come back of the wild turkey in the southern mountains in recent years is one of the notable success…
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Change of plans for Master Gardener classes
The Haywood County Master Gardener course typically offered from January through April each year will move to August through October…
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Report unsolicited seed shipments
Numerous people in North Carolina have reported receiving unrequested shipments of seeds from foreign sources, and the N.C. Department of…
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Mainspring hires new employee
Rachel Newcomb has been hired as a conservation outreach associate for Mainspring Conservation Trust.
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Bringing backcountry to the back door: Early plans unveiled for Chestnut Mountain park
The project may still be in its early stages, but plans are beginning to take shape for the 448-acre park…
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Mainspring conserves Cherokee mound
A culturally significant 40-acre property in Macon County has now been conserved, thanks to Mainspring Conservation Trust.
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More Parkway facilities reopen
The Blue Ridge Parkway has reopened four previously closed campgrounds in North Carolina and Virginia, but some seasonal facilities remain…
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Why we need honest journalists right now
The ancient philosopher Diogenes used to stroll about Athens holding a lantern to the faces of those he met and…
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Brothers of a feather: New acoustic duo to make WNC debut
With the current pandemic and economic shutdown, the music industry was the first business sector to close its doors and…
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This must be the place: Your neighbor isn’t out to get you, nor is your local newspaper
Stepping out of my pickup truck this past Saturday afternoon, I stood in the parking lot of the Maggie Valley…
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The common thread — we’re Americans
In the streets of Western North Carolina, mostly young protestors calling for an end to structural and sometimes violent racism…
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Cawthorn’s hubris not surprising
To the Editor: By now, it’s disappointingly clear that Madison Cawthorn, the Republican candidate to represent N.C. District 11 in…
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Support Parsons for Swain Commissioner
To the Editor: Roger Parsons is running for re-election as Swain County commissioner and is a lifelong resident of Swain…
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Cawthorn should support ACA
To the Editor: It is disappointing to see a young, politically inexperienced but passionate and courageous gentleman like Madison Cawthorn…
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Pardon me while I scream
To the Editor: “The Constitution is not a suicide pact” is a quote attributed to Abraham Lincoln as he defended…
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Are politicians non-essential?
To the Editor: Would the governor, his staff, his advisors, and cabinet make different decisions if they were determined to…
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Franklin’s female employees making more on average
The town of Franklin may employ a majority of men, but the women are making more on average than their…
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Pay equality a priority in Macon
Pay for Macon County employees is constantly on the mind of Macon County Manager Derek Roland, and every year putting…
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Women running Bryson City Town Hall
Bryson City is a small town with a lot of big responsibilities and limited financial resources. While it is a…
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Women take on important roles in Swain government
Swain County might still be led by men, but women are key contributors in the day-to-day operations of the county…
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Status of the pay gap
The Equal Pay Act, which mandates equal pay for equal work and forbids employers from paying men and women different…
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Women rule the roost in Sylva
Sylva is a town that’s run by women, both on the board of commissioners and among staff positions in town…
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