To the Editor:

One of my favorite books is the King James Bible (1611). Excellent advice. In the 1950s, my mother took us to the nearest Baptist church regularly, Sunday School and Bible study. She had great respect for Billy Graham. Too bad he didn’t have a son who would continue his Christian ministry. Franklin has clearly chosen politics. In the sixties, while in the U.S. Navy, I began to wonder: Is the creation story true? Still, I turned to the Bible for guidance and philosophy.

Church attendance has plummeted, though, during my lifetime. Religion seems to be less relevant to many Americans. Is that true for Christianity as a belief? In the seventies legendary singer Johnny Cash sang, “What is truth?” In the nineties Counting Crows sang of “… the crumbling difference between wrong and right.” Are these songs reflective of the drop in church attendance? Are they signs of a broader societal concern for morality in general?

Now, in 2020, Donald Trump, the President of the United State, is widely regarded as the world’s biggest liar. Lying is a violation of the Ninth Commandment (Exodus 20:16). Mark Twain’s fictional character Huckleberry Finn is a distant second. Sadly, Trump is real rather than merely a fictional character. Trump may also be world champion in another vice. Proverbs 3: 27 states, “Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.” Marvelous human relations wisdom. Has Trump never read Proverbs? Does he merely refuse to follow sage advice?

Trump was one of the “fortunate sons” that Credence Clearwater Revival sang about in the seventies. He avoided military service during the Vietnam War. Billionaire father. “Bone spurs” in his feet. Still, he belittled American war hero John McCain who spent nearly six years as a prisoner of war in Vietnam.

Between now and Nov. 3, veterans as well as active service members need to ask themselves this question: Since Donald Trump chooses to lie to us and belittle us, is he worthy of the title commander-in-chief? In my book, he is not.

Dave Waldrop

Webster

To the Editor:

Enough is enough. How much longer are Americans willing to tolerate this sad excuse of a president? Anyone in their right mind can clearly see that we are not being led by a sane man. His constant attacks on the reporters trying to get information and his daily lies to us are beyond belief. 

As I write or vent this opinion tonight, I’ve just learned that he now insists on his name being printed on the stimulus checks. Really? It’s not his money! Millions of Americans are out of work with no health insurance, no savings and no clue what the future holds. So, let’s slow these payments down even more to feed his megalomaniac personality? 

This man has proven over and over and over again that he is incompatible with anything resembling intelligence. But he does own a well-documented record of criminal wrongdoing, with many still under investigation yet currently lost in the media shuffle. Most of his cronies are in prison or jail. 

A businessman? Ha! How does someone bankrupt a casino three times, an airline, and many other failed ventures? Not to mention a real estate school that was proven fraudulent. This is why no reputable banks will deal with him or Trump Inc. for years. He owes millions of dollars in debt, bills unpaid, workers unpaid, contractors unpaid. He never paid for his inauguration and still owes numerous cities money for his reelection rallies. 

Tax returns? Not available as he fights to constantly keep them secret. Like his besties — Putin, Jong and the other ruthless dictators he praises — he shares their same affliction of narcissism, a lust for power and more money. He has absolutely no ability to remotely feel anything for others other than himself. His utter failure as a leader in this global crisis further demonstrates the magnitude of his incompetence. 

Our country used to be the leader on the world stage. Now we are a laughingstock. Maybe my country will hopefully learn a huge lesson in that we need to come together, recover from this pandemic, and elect a leader that actually believes in our constitution. America is now in the I.C.U. It’s up to us as voters to save ourselves from this insanity called Trump, our fake president, and try listening to real news. It’s out there.

Mylan Sessions 

Waynesville

To the Editor:

Anyone with half a brain knows that Trump was making a sarcastic joke when he suggested that people inject bleach to cure COVID-19. As any astute follower of Donald Trump over the past three years knows, most everything coming out of his mouth is a joke. If the president has something serious to say, it generally comes out of the other end. At the ready is a team of experts — Pence, Meadows, Hannity, Limbaugh, and of course, McConnell — who make it all shine and smell good. It’s time for people to wake up and smell the coffee, or whatever.

John H. Fisher

Hendersonville

To the Editor:

Lately. through observing the news media, I have seen mass support for gun ownership and confirmation of the Second Amendment. My life of being associated with firearms began 72 years ago when I was 7 years old. I’m not worried about my guns, but I am worried about my Social Security and Medicare.

According to the New York Times, in his latest budget, President Trump has proposed cutting Social Security programs $26 billion and safety net programs like Medicare and Medicaid $1.9 trillion. This was after giving his rich cronies a $1.3 trillion tax break.

In the presidential campaign, I saw Trump on television state that he would leave Social Security and Medicare alone.

What else can you expect out of a pathological liar?

Charles Miller

Waynesville

To the Editor:

Despite the social distancing, wearing masks, stay at home orders, and all of the CDC stats and briefings we have witnessed over the past 40-plus days, the COVID-19 curve has flattened along with CDC models that were not altogether accurate. The models were way overestimated.

The American people have been very patient and are now wanting to return to work. Children want to return to school as do their parents. Serology studies are indicating that the virus is not as deadly as once was thought in addition to the majority of affected patients having successfully recovered.

It makes zero sense for the Blue Ridge Parkway to be closed as people want to drive and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The Parkway could easily be reopened with the caveat that they still socially distance on hiking trails and in picnic areas. We cannot continue this isolation. These rules are not healthy for a free society nor for our economy. We need not risk lapsing into a great depression as a result of the government’s desire to “keep us safe.” 

Let common sense rule.

Pam McAloon

Maggie Valley 

The Jackson County Farmers Market will set up at Innovation Station in Dillsboro, Wednesdays 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. 

Testing of more than 2,300 deer during the 2019-2020 sampling season did not detect any cases of chronic wasting disease in North Carolina. 

Planning is underway to address visitor access, safety, transportation and recreation in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and public feedback is requested to help park officials make those decisions. 

Pine snake sightings are wanted as part of an effort to help biologists learn more about the reptiles’ distribution in southwestern North Carolina. 

I hope this message finds you and your loved ones healthy and well. As a city, a nation, and a global community, we continue to grapple with the effects of COVID-19 and the impact it has brought to our daily lives. As an institution, we are focused on making decisions that protect the health and safety of our 49er community. Unfortunately, the current “stay at home” environment alters our scheduled plans to observe the one-year anniversary of April 30, a tragic day in our campus history. 

Jesse-lee Dunlap works throughout the county in the Harm Reduction public health initiative. Their work is vital to preventing overdose in the Haywood County Detention Center and making sure that members of the community have their most basic needs met — this means connecting folks with food resources, seeking housing for unsheltered people, setting up appointments with medical providers, connecting people with job opportunities, etc.

Macon County Economic Development Commission (EDC) and Macon County Public Health (MCPH) are committed to helping the citizens of Macon County during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Haywood County Public Health received notice April 27 that a sixth Haywood County resident has tested positive for the coronavirus, COVID-19. The individual is in isolation at home since the exposure to the virus.

Roger Higgins is the maintenance foreman for the Town of Clyde. He is also the town’s safety officer and zoning administrator. His department is responsible for water and sewer services as well as street maintenance, yard waste removal, and town groundskeeping.

Students from Western Carolina University’s College of Engineering and Technology have checked out 3D printers from the university and are using them from home to help produce face shields for use by health care professionals during the global COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the loss of jobs, income and health insurance coverage for millions. Some life changes, such as losing health insurance through your job, may qualify consumers for Special Enrollments Periods through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance marketplace at www.healthcare.gov, but the time to report that life change and sign up is limited — only 60 days. 

State transportation officials announced a public-private partnership that will use drones to deliver critical medical supplies and food during the COVID-19 response.       

As people across North Carolina have taken lifesaving measures to stop the spread of COVID-19, traffic volumes have plummeted, causing at least a $300 million budget shortfall for the N.C. Department of Transportation for this fiscal year ending June 30.

Earlier this afternoon, Gov. Roy Cooper closed all North Carolina public schools for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year.

The Jackson County Department of Public Health has been notified of three additional positive cases of COVID-19 associated with the Apodaca Science Building at Western Carolina University’s campus. 

Asheville’s thrumming downtown, a darling of the “best of” list makers and an economic hub for Western North Carolina, stands quiet as its once harried restaurant owners, beer-thirsty tourists and Millennial workers hunker down to avoid the health threat posed by a deadly coronavirus.

Tammy Maney became a public health nurse with the Haywood County Health Department in 2001. During COVID-19 she serves as a nurse, staffing the Haywood County Covid Call Center.

The Jackson County Department of Public Health (JCDPH) has been notified of a positive case of COVID19 in a subcontractor working on a construction site at Western Carolina University’s campus.

Firefighters responded to two wildfires late April 14 near Fontana Lake in Graham County. Both fires burned on U.S. Forest Service land on the Nantahala National Forest Cheoah Ranger District but were 100 percent contained as of April 20.

The public has stepped up to contribute nearly $50,000 to the N.C. Arboretum’s Staff Support Fund, allowing staff to remain employed and create innovative programming while the arboretum campus remains closed to the public. 

It’s National Park Week, and a new website from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park featuring videos and activities for students of all ages will help families celebrate despite the park’s coronavirus-induced closure. 

To the Editor:

How strange is it that some of you are becoming the thing you hate the most? In 2019, you were afraid to walk by a person that lives on the street. You said you’d never be that person. In 2020, you are afraid you’ll be that person. Oh, the irony. 

You protest the “stay home stay safe” orders. You blame your government for your fear of losing your house. You don’t care if elderly and immune-compromised people die, you want your life back the way it was before you saw your mounting debt and empty cupboard. 

In 2019 we wanted healthcare for all. Mental illness is a big factor in losing your home and being unable to work or be stable. We wanted easy and free access to doctors, prescriptions, and supportive programs that manage mental illness and addiction. We blamed the government and voters for this lack of a cure. After all, it is their fault so many go without. 

Did you care back then when people needed help? Did you care back then about really finding a solution to people without shelter, and people suffering addiction? Did you just want them gone and out of sight?

Now that you are scared and wondering how you will survive during this shut down, should I pack your bags for you when they take your home?

Irene Tyli

Haywood County

To the Editor:

Trump’s attack on the WHO (World Health Organization) is classic Trump. Make bad decisions and then blame someone else for the consequences.

The reality is that the WHO issued warnings about COVID-19 long before Trump took any action whatsoever to do anything about it. WHO issued its first warning on Jan. 9. On Jan. 18, Health Secretary Alex Azar tried to brief Trump on the virus, but Trump ignored him. On Jan. 22, Trump said the U.S. had the pandemic “totally under control.” On Jan. 23, WHO updated warnings regarding human-to-human transmission. On the previous day, Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arizona) urged the White House to issue a China travel ban. Jan. 30, WHO declares COVID-19 a “public health emergency” but the same day Wilbur Ross, Treasury Secretary, says the virus in China will be good for the US economy. On Feb. 2, Trump finally restricts travel from China — almost a month after the first WHO warning.

Why is Trump attacking WHO when it is he who delayed? One reason is because Trump wants credit for everything good and the responsibility for nothing bad. The other reason might be that new WHO guidelines consisting of five prerequisites for opening up the economy are far from where the U.S. currently is. We fail even the first guideline, which is containing the spread. The second is widespread testing. Meeting these two alone will take at least a month — if ever, given that some Republican governors following Trump’s lead regarding an open economy are doing nothing.

On the topic of testing, Trump rejected the WHO offer for tests and insisted that tests had to be developed in the U.S. That first effort resulted in faulty tests that delayed any testing for weeks. It soon became clear that producing and distributing testing for COVID-19 was beyond the capability of the lackeys at the head of the Trump administration. So, Trump declared that testing had to be the responsibility of the states via the governors.

Trump is great at exercising magical thinking whereby whatever he says suddenly becomes real. Fortunately, Mother Nature cannot be gaslighted. COVID-19 does not follow daily rallies disguised as briefings. Trump and company can make all kinds of pronouncements and brag about what they are doing, but then reality rears its ugly head. People have died for lack of ventilators. People will die due to lack of testing. There are locals with a lack of medical equipment and tests. The fault for this is a failure of national leadership. Pence and others can butter up Trump about his great leadership, but there is not enough lipstick to put on this pig to make it anything else.

Norman Hoffmann

Waynesville

To the Editor:

The “front line” people who risk their lives and health (both mental and physical) to help safeguard us deserve our thanks and our praise, especially in light of the current pandemic. They are all heroes and I hope that they will be publicly rewarded whenever it becomes possible to do that. 

Meanwhile I want to give a special shout-out for Dr. Mark Jaben, the medical director for the Haywood County Health Department. What a precious asset he has been! I don’t know where or how he developed such amazing communications skills, but I am in awe that he is able to address issues head-on in a way that should not alienate people who disagree with him. Haywood is indeed fortunate to have competent leaders and Dr. Jaben is an outstanding example.

Heartfelt thanks to all who are doing their best to keep us safe through this ordeal.

Joanne Strop

Waynesville

Fresh vegetables won’t last forever in your refrigerator, and if the ones you’ve purchased are looking a little sad and soft or limp, it’s time to use them. 

Bar trivia is a cherished tradition for many in Western North Carolina, but such quiz nights are one of the many causalities of the COVID-19 closures that have swept our nation and the world at large.

Terry Troutman has been the Chief of the Clyde Police Department for six years.

North Shore Cemetery Association announced the cancellation of all North Shore Cemetery Decorations through June 15. At present, all group activities within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are suspended through June 15 and this may change in the future given the complexity and unknown factors concerning the Covid-19 pandemic.

WNC Climate Action Coalition, based in Haywood County, is bringing Earth Day Live 2020 home with an online broadcast at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, April 22, the 50th anniversary of the first Earth Day.

Officer Shanna Bellows has been with the Maggie Valley Police Department since May 2019. Like everyone these days, her daily routines have changed during COVID-19.

By Bob Scott • Guest Columnist | At 5:30 this morning I was staring at the ceiling. I doubt that I was alone. Many of us are awake worrying about the present, unprecedented situation.

During these extraordinary times we are seeing the fortitude and resilience of ordinary folks among us. I see it every day. Our emergency services folks, the men and women who are facing uncertain financial times but are holding up. The people who cut our hair and are now having to watch helplessly as we become shaggy. The women and men behind the cash registers at the check out lines in our grocery stores. Our restaurant people who are not going to see us go hungry so they bring our order out to our cars with curbside service. 

Senior Officer/K-9 Officer Jason Reynolds has been with Waynesville Police Department for almost eight years. He has served as a member of the SRT team, the Honor Guard member and as a K-9 handler.

Haywood County Public Health received notice April 17 that a fifth Haywood County resident has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. The individual is in isolation at home since the exposure to the virus.

Haywood Regional Medical Center has added telemedicine to its offerings. The announcement comes on the heels of the Trump administration’s unprecedented expansion of telehealth services.

Haywood County Public Health received notice April 15 that a fourth Haywood County resident has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. The individual is in isolation since the initial symptoms.

Firefighters responded to two wildfires late April 14 near Fontana Lake in Graham County. Both fires are burning on U.S. Forest Service land on the Nantahala National Forest Cheoah Ranger District and were 90 percent contained as of April 16.

The Great Smoky Mountains Association is bringing the Great Smoky Mountains National Park into living rooms nationwide through its new Smokies LIVE virtual magazine. 

Alarka Institute has suspended all of its planned April outings but is offering multiple opportunities to engage with nature through distance learning. 

The northernmost 13 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway, which abut Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, are closed as of Wednesday, April 8, as part of the effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. 

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy has requested that the federal government officially close the 2,193-mile Appalachian National Scenic Trail in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Many state forests in North Carolina are seeing visitation two or three times greater than what is typical this time of year, stretching resources and making it harder for people to practice proper social distancing. 

To the Editor:

These are challenging days for everyone. This is particularly true for the long-term healthcare community. Whether you are a resident, the family members, friends, or other acquaintances of a resident; or, someone who is in an administrative position or works as direct-care staff in a long-term healthcare facility, you are probably stressed out and anxious (justifiably) about Covid-19. 

As the Regional Long-Term Care Ombudsman (RLTCO) with the Southwestern Commission- Area Agency on Aging, serving the seven western-most counties in North Carolina — Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Jackson, Macon, Swain — I offer some suggestions of ways to deal with this challenging time in regards to the long-term healthcare community.

• Be grateful for the facilities and those who are working to provide care for the residents who live in the facilities. These staff members are seeking, while at personal risks to their own health and that of those closest to them, to provide for the needs of the residents in ways that are adequate and appropriate.

• As you have opportunity, express your gratitude to those that are staffing the facilities. Kind words and simple tokens of appreciation can go a long way in encouraging these folks to keep on doing their work on behalf of the residents.

• Strive to be realistic and reasonable. Realistically, no one knows the many ways Covid-19 will impact the facilities and the entire long-term healthcare communities. The numerous limitations and restrictions that have been put into place will be frustrating for those desiring to have intimate contact with residents. The unavailability of needed equipment and supplies to address Covid-19 will be difficult to accept. The expected increase in the number of those who will test positive to the disease will be frightening and the results (deaths) devastating. These things, and so many more are likely to happen before an improvement in containing and controlling the spread of the virus occurs. The best way to approach these issues is to be reasonable. Inasmuch as is possible, practice patience, kindness, understanding, and advocacy for best practice in caring for the residents. Reasonableness requires that responses exhibit control of anger outbursts, avoidance of excessive demands, and a willingness to listen to the explanation of those most closely engaged in the situation. 

Please be assured that it is acceptable to raise any concerns and complaints that you may have during these days. If you suspect that a resident has been abused, intentionally neglected, or is being (or has been) financially exploited, contact the Department of Social Services-Adult Protective Services (DSS-APS) in the county where it occurred. If you suspect that the rights of a resident are not being honored, or there are questions concerning the quality of life experienced by the resident, contact the RLTCO (828.586.1962, ext. 223). You will be asked to leave a voice message and will receive a return call. If you prefer, call your complaint to North Carolina Division of Health Services Regulations (NC-DHSR) at 1.800.624.3004 (within NC) or 1.919.855.4500. Again, be realistic and understand that your complaints will be handled in a timely manner, given the current situation. And, be reasonable and understand whatever resolution may be possible will be dependent on the restrictions and limitations in place due to Covid-19.

Larry Reeves,

Long-term care ombudsman

Sylva

To the Editor:

For the past several weeks, Haywood Regional Medical Center (HRMC) has been busy preparing for COVID-19 to reach our community. We have built upon our robust emergency operations plan that we have in place year-round by updating policies, implementing new protocol, educating our staff and working with our community partners. But in all this preparation, HRMC has never been alone.   

Today, I write to share my appreciation to our community. Thank you to the countless individuals and organizations who have generously donated critically important supplies and resources and offered inspiring words of encouragement to our team. In this crisis, the true meaning of community has never been more apparent or appreciated. 

Last week, the Haywood County Sheriff’s Office and EMS passed out roses during a shift change to lift the spirits of our hardworking staff. Community members have brought in surgical masks and N95 respirators to add to the resources we’re working to preserve. Local restaurants and businesses have sent food to treat our folks as they work. Many people have donated homemade cloth masks to our hospital and local EMS — an incredible labor of love. And these are just a few of the many examples that exist. 

The outpouring of love and encouragement from our community has been overwhelming, and it makes us so proud to call Haywood County our home. HRMC stands ready to serve you — our neighbors, family and friends. Please continue to keep our community safe and prevent further spread of this disease: 

• Practice social distancing. 

• Wash your hands often. 

• If you must go out in public, wear masks to protect those around you.

• We’re working for you; please stay home for us. 

To learn more about Haywood Regional Medical Center’s COVID-19 preparedness and what you can do to help stay well, visit www.MyHaywoodRegional.com. 

Rod Harkleroad

HRMC CEO

Camping is no longer allowed in the Pisgah National Forest following an order enacted April 13.