Following a phased reopening plan, the Haywood Regional Health & Fitness Center is pleased to announce it will reopen (some services limited) to the public Oct. 5. Opening hours will be 5:30 a.m. to noon and 2 to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. The facility is closed on Sundays.

The Dogwood Health Trust Board of Directors announced today that Antony Chiang is stepping down from his role as Chief Executive Officer. The Board expects to appoint an interim CEO while conducting a search for a permanent leader.

District Attorney Ashley Hornsby Welch announced Thursday that Jim Moore has joined the 43rd Prosecutorial District as an assistant district attorney.

City director quits, cites resistance, lack of support

By Sally Kestin
AVL Watchdog

The CEO of the YWCA of Asheville has quit, becoming the second Black woman in a month to leave a high-profile job with a mission of improving racial equity in the city.

A Jackson County man who crashed into an Ohio couple’s car last year along U.S. 23/441, seriously injuring both, must serve active time in prison, District Attorney Ashley Hornsby Welch said Tuesday. 

By Jonathan Austin

Susan Austin was 56 when she saw an ad on television about how women should be doing self exams to see if they can find lumps in their breasts. Obvious lumps can be an early sign of breast cancer.

Several local youth have been named winners at the WNC Youth Livestock Expo, which took place at the WNC Ag Center in Fletcher over two weekends beginning Sept. 11. 

A man was pronounced dead after suffering a cardiac event on Friday, Sept. 25, along Laurel Creek Road in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 

We all want to help. In today’s world, chances are we all know someone whose life has been impacted by Breast Cancer. While that knowledge is daunting — and somewhat overwhelming — it also drives us to help make whatever difference we can. 

An online series of agriculture workshops for kids ages 8 to 11 will soon launch for the fall, offering a one-hour class at 4 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month. 

The Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute in Transylvania County has been awarded the prestigious designation of International Dark Sky Park, recognizing the exceptional quality of the night sky over PARI and its commitment to education outreach. 

To the Editor:

First, we had to deal with Haywood County School Superintendent Bill Nolte’s ridiculous posting of white kids working on a farm to which he added: “Even white kids picked cotton.” This at a time when systemic racial inequalities have, yet again, come to the forefront of our supposed conscience as a nation. And he arrogantly mentioned that we should just read a book to understand his posted photo and for us not to be ignorant.

Now I read a quote from Nolte insulting and disparaging Gov. Roy Cooper for “... giving us two plans at once” regarding our childrens return to the classroom. No, Dr. Nolte, you are flat-out wrong and with an election this close I can only discern that you are slamming the governor. The governor gave our school board, the people who hired you, the option to do a full return for elementary kids but not the older kids. It is your employer, the Haywood County School Board, that voted 5 to 2 to give you the mixed plan that we will be operating under.

So first I suggest, if necessary, you look up the definition of option and compare that to a mandate. Secondly, if you still feel that it’s a crazy set-up you are facing, stand up and address your bosses, the school board. Tell them how disappointed and aggrieved you are about how they voted.  

But the last thing you should do is attack the governor because following the science, he and the Secretary of Health and Human Services decided it was fair to put the elementary school option out there for local officials to have more leeway. Read: more choice, not less as you infer.

Governor Cooper has been attacked, unfairly, by Trump for not opening up our state fast enough. Georgia and North Carolina have nearly the same population yet Georgia, an early opening state, has twice the deaths of our state. South Carolina, with only half our population, also opened early and has about the same number of fatalities that our state has. I feel that Gov. Cooper has done a good job in protecting us and you, Dr. Nolte, took a cheap, uneducated shot at him.

I have no grievance with the school board on this issue, but since you are mad about what has been placed upon you, just call your bosses up and do the right thing. Complain to them about their decision and how frustrated you are by their actions. Or are you not ready to prepare a new resume? Stop treating us, the people who voted your bosses in, like ignorant fools. Or are you deceptively telling us to vote all the school board members out of office and elect newcomers? Hmmmmmm .... 

Bob Clark 

Waynesville

To the Editor:

In the upcoming District 119 House of Representatives race between Rep. Joe Sam Queen and Mike Clampitt, I urge voters to consider what “mountain values” mean to you. The biggest issue facing our people is access to healthcare, particularly during the time of coronavirus. We need affordable access to medical care to test for and treat coronavirus, not to mention for a host of other medical issues. Our hospital needs Medicaid expansion to keep its doors open, both to keep jobs in Haywood County and to care for our people.

Republican members of the state legislature have willfully refused to expand Medicaid. There is no good reason for this, as our taxpayer dollars are already being put towards this expansion. The money that we pay into this system, around $10 million between Haywood, Jackson and Swain counties, is being exported to other states who have already expanded Medicaid. Our people are suffering, while other states are reaping the benefits of our taxpayer money. 

Rep. Joe Sam Queen understands this deeply. In fact, it is the main issue he speaks on, and it is near and dear to his heart. “Mountain values” should start first and foremost with taking care of our own people, and ensuring that our people have the opportunity to lead healthy lives. Whether you fall on the Democratic or Republican side of the aisle, I urge you to consider what truly affects the lives of you and your neighbors when you cast your ballot this fall. 

Abigail Ahlberg

Frog Level

To the Editor:

If you or any of your loved ones has a pre-existing medical condition and private medical insurance, you should be aware of a serious threat to your coverage. 

Before the Affordable Care Act (“Obama Care”), insurance corporations were  allowed to cancel insurance or deny your policy in the first place if they felt you had a pre-existing  condition. The ACA for the first time did away with this cruel practice that cut off thousands from treatment for cancer, heart disease, diabetes and other illnesses. Over 120 million Americans were protected. 

So it is with anger — but not surprise — that I read Thom Tillis’ campaign materials bragging that he is 100 percent for protecting Americans’ health. 

Really? He is 100 percent with President Trump in pledging to destroy the Affordable Care Act. He has in fact voted against it on the Senate floor where heroes like John McCain stopped this travesty. Now Tillis is eager to appoint a judge to replace Ruth Bader Ginsberg and push the Supreme Court to wipe out the protections of the ACA once and for all. 

The  Republican plan to replace the ACA? Madison Cawthorn says it’s to have more corporate insurance companies get their share of the pie (16 to 20 percent of your dollars goes to their profit). 

Mike Clampitt also opposes the ACA and also refuses to expand Medicaid.  In Ohio, it was expanding Medicaid that brought down the opioid death toll by over 50 percent, according to the Republican governor. 

Tillis, like Trump, offers no plan to replace the ACA. Since 2016, Trump has stated at least 8 times that the “greatest health care ever” was just weeks away. There is no such plan. 

However, there is a plan to undermine Medicare and Medicaid, and 75 percent of WNC families have at least one member in those programs. Even the ultimate “socialist” program — Social Security — is under threat. As Trump said at the Davos Economic Forum on CNBC last year, it’s all “on the table — but only after the election.” Very sneaky, but at least the billionaires got their tax cut

Steve Wall

Waynesville

To the Editor:

President Trump issued an executive order that between September 1 and the end of this year, employees within a certain salary range are not required to pay the 6.2 percent of their salaries normally paid toward Social Security. 

This is a measure Trump has taken to alleviate economic stress during the pandemic, and theoretically, this tax will have to be repaid in 2021. However, many see Trump’s executive order as the first step in a process of ending Social Security. 

Republicans have wanted to get rid of Social Security for a long time, and Trump says that if he is re-elected, he will eliminate the Social Security payroll tax entirely. At a White House press conference in August, he said, “After the election … we will be terminating that tax.”

If Trump and the Republicans succeed in terminating the payroll tax, that will be the end of Social Security and Medicare — perhaps as early as 2023. 

For some people with large retirement savings, this might only cause a dent in the budget. For millions of others, it would mean poverty. 

Emily Wright

Highlands

To the Editor:

There is a defiant child in the White House, and he is our President. 

He is not adhering to rules, or the rule of law and when he commits crimes he attempts to have the law adjusted to his ways and not charged as violations. 

When Trump screws up, he blames others, oh “Jimmy did it,” or covers it up with plots and hides the truth, like a child would. 

Or he is defiant and yells when he doesn’t get his way. He uses name calling, nicknames, he is the bully in chief, and  his temper fits are heard throughout the people’s house. 

He is never listening to his staff that could warn or correct him. And Donald doesn’t get his homework done, reading what he should so he doesn’t know how to direct the country’s security or protect its health. He lies to cover up what he can’t use to keep his empire or office going. Behind doors he says what he really thinks, lies in his press briefings and rallies, speaking with a “fork tongue” to the citizens of this country.  People died needlessly from COVID-19;  and children have been forever traumatized when they have been taken away from their parents with his directives in the past.

He spreads fear in the hearts of women like myself, or tries to make me fearful. And like a defiant child he takes no responsibility for his actions or inactions, even says that to the American people, as in the case of COVID. He gives states the task to deal with it and then bullies the blue states that attempt to follow scientific policies that save lives.

And like a bad behaving child goes off to pursue what he enjoys while people keep dying from the pandemic. He calls the people in the military names while they risk their lives to keep us safe.  While people mourn those lost to COVID, he continues to divide us by pitting one ethnic group against another.

From a suburban housewife.

Susan Norsworthy

Lake Junaluska

To the Editor:

I woke up the day after the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg with a mix of fear, anger, and resolve. I’m afraid of the threat to the rights that Justice Ginsburg defended throughout her career, like LGBTQ+ equality and reproductive freedom. I’m angry that our democratic institutions seem to hang on the life of one woman, who held so much weight during her life, right to the end.

But I’m resolved, more than ever, to honor her legacy by organizing to defeat Donald Trump, flip the U.S. Senate, and ensure that no replacement justice is selected until the next presidential term begins.

As a youth organizer with NextGen North Carolina, I can attest to the incomparable youth voter enthusiasm this year. We know what is at stake. Progress on issues from affordable healthcare and climate action to immigrant rights and addressing systemic racism are on the ballot this fall, as is the fate of the Supreme Court.

I’m calling Sen. Thom Tillis’s office today and every day to demand he refuse a vote on the Supreme Court pick until our voices are heard, and I’m mailing in my ballot to vote for the representation we deserve. Join me.

Nicole Skinner

(Skinner lives in Asheville and is the WNC Regional Organizer Director for NextGen North Carolina)

To the Editor:

Madison Cawthorn says he is a “Washington outsider.” Who is he kidding? His campaign has worked with Washington D.C. lobbyist Fidelis Government Relations, whose corporate clients include AT&T and Big Pharma. Cawthorn’s vote is already owned by the very industries that are obstructing rural broadband and refusing to lower prescription drug costs.

Was Fidelis the lobbying firm that wrote the notes in his debate binder? You might remember, his handlers told him to accuse Col. Moe Davis — who was awarded a Legion of Merit, six Meritorious Service Medals, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal — of freeing a convicted terrorist. It was hogwash. The man Cawthorn said was convicted was never even charged with a crime. His handlers also had him say Col. Davis opposed charging the Fort Hood killer as a terrorist. That’s because the man had already been tried, convicted and received the death sentence. Col Davis opposed adding further charges because justice would be delayed for years in appeals, allowing this killer to grow old in prison on the taxpayer’s dime. 

Cawthorn’s blind obedience to his handlers makes sense considering his complete lack of knowledge about the law. He doesn’t know that folks need a trial to get convicted, he doesn’t know how appeals can delay justice. He wants to go to Washington to make laws?

Cawthorn’s naiveté was demonstrated when he went to the border to promote an illegal scheme that raised funds for a border wall by using debunked QAnon conspiracy theories to scare people into giving money. Cawthorn gave a speech on camera promoting the conspiracy. Two weeks later his new buddy who ran the scam was indicted along with Steve Bannon. Is Cawthorn drawn to the criminal element or is he gullible and easily duped? Did you see him when he met the President, Giuliani, and Graham? He was giddy and starry eyed. This is the guy who will speak truth to power? I think not. 

Gullible, naïve, no knowledge base, and starstruck. Not ready for Congress. 

Doreen Carroll

Waynesville

To the Editor:

The Western North Carolina Climate Action Coalition (CAC), a Haywood County-based organization, supports efforts to protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) from fossil fuel drilling.  Citizen opposition had stopped pro-drilling legislation since the 1980s. Then in 2017 the U.S. Senate passed a taxation bill that allows for the ANWR to be opened for oil and gas extraction. 

Now the Trump Administration has given a green light to selling leases to drill in this irreplaceable area. Just down the coast, 1.9 million barrels of oil have already been spilled from the original Alaska Pipeline, the disastrous Exxon Valdez oil spill, and other environmental catastrophes. 

The ANWR includes 18 major rivers, hundreds of species of birds, land and marine mammals, and fish. 

The Gwich’in people live in the northernmost part of ANWR. For generations, they have depended on the animals who live there to sustain their lives and culture. They revere the Arctic Refuge Coastal Plain as a sacred place because it provides breeding grounds for the Porcupine Caribou Herd, animals that are essential for food and cultural traditions.  They also believe ANWR is the place where the creation of the world began.

The Gwich’in, native wildlife, and the entire ecosystem are all under imminent threat if the refuge is opened for drilling. The Gwich’in Steering Committee, a voice for indigenous traditional hunting communities, is part of a lawsuit to challenge the oil and gas development plan. 

The Western NC Climate Action Coalition supports the Gwich’in people and the Indigenous Environmental Network, which are leading the campaign. We also support efforts here in North Carolina to confront the climate crisis. We applaud the work in our region to protect our waterways and other natural resources, including the successful opposition to construction of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline.  

Pulling more oil or gas out of the ground would prolong an energy system that is rapidly becoming obsolete and that threatens our immediate future on this planet. Banks such as JP Morgan Chase and companies including Shell Oil have already abandoned the destructive ANWR enterprise.

The money and resources for drilling in the ANWR should be put towards sustainable means of securing our future energy needs.

The Western North Carolina Climate Action Coalition is a group of citizens and organizations working to mitigate the destructive effects of climate change locally, nationally, and globally. https://wncclimateaction.com

Mary J. Curry, Mary Thomas, and Steve Wall

To the Editor:

We have a lot to decide this November on the 2020 ballot, but one thing I hope all Jackson County voters can agree on is support for the indoor aquatics center. 

As a mother of three boys, I traveled frequently to the Waynesville Recreation Center to enjoy their indoor pool and hosted or attended quite a few birthday parties in their facility. I would have loved to have stayed within my own community and kept the money spent during each of those many outings in Jackson County. Also, as a summer day camp director, I frequently took our campers to the Waynesville facility. Finally, as an avid aqua fitness attendee, I rely upon an aging Reid Pool facility subject to the university calendar for my aqua fitness. I would love to have year-round access to these classes and for my participation fees to support Jackson County directly. 

The benefits of an indoor aquatics center far outweigh the costs. The bond referendum on the ballot may look scary, but when broken down the actual impact on tax burden is relatively small. Our commitment to the health and well-being of our community is an investment in ourselves, our community, and in future generations. This facility will allow people of all ages the opportunity to engage in exercise and recreation. The swim team will have access to a superior competition pool for practice and will have the ability to host official competitions. People young and old will have greater access to life-saving swim lessons. Families with young children will have a fun indoor facility to take their children for a play date or birthday parties. People in need of low-impact exercise or rehabilitation can do so in the vortex pool or participate in aqua fitness classes. This facility will be an invaluable addition to our community. 

The vision for an indoor aquatics center has been a dream since the 1960s. Let’s help make this a reality right now in 2020 so we can start realizing our dream as soon as possible. Please vote yes to the indoor aquatics center. 

Larissa Miller

Sylva

To the Editor:

Folks we have a big decision to make. House District 119 — covering Swain, Jackson and Haywood counties — is up for grabs. Mike Clampitt’s record makes it clear he is not the right person to represent Western Carolina’s values.

In the middle of a pandemic and record unemployment,  Mike is against expanding Medicaid. That puts our rural hospitals at risk of bankruptcy and closure. Our local hospitals desperately need the influx of federal aid. This money is your federal tax dollars paid into the system coming back to our communities. This is not some form of welfare.

Furthermore, although he has given lip service to education funding,  he has supported policies that would prevent schools from reopening safely and our students being able to learn. 

Mike has repeatedly touted his stances on guns and abortion. I think we would all love to live in a world in which abortion was not necessary. However, in this world we should never accept government interference in health care decisions. That is sacred between you, your family, your doctors and God. 

As for guns, Democrats or anyone else will never come for you guns. That would require repealing the Second Amendment as ratified by 38 of our 50 states. This simply will not happen.

Republicans are, however, gunning for your Social Security and coverage for pre-existing conditions.

A vote for Joe Sam Queen is a vote for individual freedom, economic security, education and health care. Your vote is very important in this very competitive race.

Christine Taber 

Sylva

To the Editor:

“Trump lied, people died.” I can’t even begin to describe the range of emotion I felt when I heard those four words spoken on a news show this morning (Sept. 10). So much for “Promises Made, Promises Kept.” Death is going to be Trump’s legacy.

His claims of being the “law and order” president are meaningless because he has failed in one of his basic duties: keeping America safe.

My outrage is magnified by the fact that he’s trying to justify his lack of action by saying he didn’t want to panic the American people; however, he never hesitates to incite panic when it serves his interest. 

Remember the violent, disease-infested migrant caravans he repeatedly said were coming toward the Mexican border prior to the 2018 election? Now he’s trying to frighten suburbanites into voting for him because “they want safety.”

Instilling the fear of violence and racial unrest is the only campaign strategy Trump has for this election. There wasn’t even a platform for the 2020 Republican National Convention! It’s all about him.

If you are a Trump supporter, I hope you are doing some serious soul searching since the release of the Bob Woodward/Trump tapes. Can you really, in good conscience, cast your vote for a man who symbolizes death and destruction?

Myrna Campbell

Democratic Party Chairperson

Haywood County

To the Editor:

Madison Cawthon’s website states: “Send a fighter to Congress.” In fact, the term “fight” is referenced several times throughout his “pitch,” fighting against liberals, conservationists, “left-wing socialists,” AOC and “the Squad,” the AHCA, the nebulous “left,” and one infers, anyone who holds opinions contrary to Mr. Cawthorn. 

The candidate had pledged 100 percent fealty to the divider in chief in the White House, who for the past four years has provoked chaos, mistrust and hatred among the people of this country. Mr. Cawthorn seems ready to fall in line. I suggest we don’t need yet another representative from the 11th District with a chip on his shoulder.

Send a fighter to Congress? No thanks. We have enough there already.

Mike Jones

Sylva