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Serving Cashiers, Glenville, Sapphire and TuckasegeeWednesday, January 4, 2017 Vol. 33, No. 1 • $1.00

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© 2017 Crossroads Chronicle/Community Newspapers Inc.

INDEXClassified ..................................... 9Government .................................. 3Education ................................... 12Milestones .................................... 2Opinion .....................................4-5Upcoming events .......................... 6

Question:Do you feel changes to the structure of election boards in N.C. are necessary?Cast your vote!Log on to www.CrossroadsChronicle.comLast week’s results:Do you think North Carolina legislators should repeal House Bill 2?Yes: 68% (26 votes) No: 32% (12 votes)

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No32%

Yes68%

Soaring spirit sales pay off loan earlyBY CARTER GIEGERICH

Staff Writer

After experiencing substantial growth every year since it opened in 2014, the Cashiers ABC Store recently became debt free from the county more than three years ahead of schedule.

The liquor store’s financial performance has significantly outpaced the relatively conserva-tive estimates used when a starter

loan was taken out, and Jackson County ABC Board Chairman David Noland said that momen-tum has carried over into this year.

“We use the first year as a base and every month of the second year has exceeded the same month for the first year,” Noland said. “And then the third year the same has happened, it has exceeded the same month in the second year. We’ve not had a single month that

had less than the previous year since we opened these stores.”

The Cashiers ABC Store in particular has seen some ma-jor spikes in traffic in the past year. The biggest jump hap-pened last fall — in November

2015, the store sold $114,192.48 worth of merchandise. By November 2016, that number had skyrocketed to $187,750.92, a 61 percent increase. Other months saw increases ranging between 10 and 20 percent between July and December.

All of the growth in sales allowed the store to pay off the initial loan of $263,299 taken out to build the Cashiers store. The original duration of the loan,

beginning July 1, 2014, was a six-year term with 2 percent interest after the first year. The ABC Board paid $2,000 installments on the loan from July 2014 to November 2016, with three additional lump sum payments, to pay off the loan. Noland said the final payment was around $55,000.

The loan was originally taken Noland

See LOAN page 8

NC bill may alter board’s membership

BY CARTER GIEGERICH AND RYAN HANCHETTStaff

Changes are coming to the local board of elections if the passage of Senate Bill 4 by the North Carolina legislature late last month is upheld by a state court.

Lawmakers in Raleigh passed SB4 during a special session to restructure how election boards are handled on both the state and local levels.

Shortly after the bill’s approval, Gov. Roy Cooper filed a lawsuit challenging the law, and according to an Associated Press report, Wake County Superior Court Judge Don Stephens agreed to suspend the law until it could be scrutinized later this week.

If upheld, SB4 states the state board of elections will be combined with the state ethics commission to create one new board in charge of both subjects. The new board

See BOARD page 8

Cashiers pool needs repairs

BY TANNER HALLThe Sylva Herald

Just weeks after officials hired an engineer to find out what it would cost to fix the Sylva pool, another study, this time on the Cashiers pool, has been commissioned.

In Sylva, town and county taxpayers will split the bill to replace the pool’s plastic shell and have tile work done. Estimates from three years ago — not including the tile work — came to about $100,000. Officials hired local engineer Victor Lofquist in November to pinpoint an exact amount.

Lofquist now will also examine the Cashiers pool. In a December work session, county leaders approved giving him $7,250 to complete the preliminary engineering report.

Unlike with Sylva’s pool, county taxpayers alone will pay for any upgrades to the one in Cashiers.

The Jackson County Parks and Recreation Department 12 years ago began overseeing the pool in Cashiers, located next to the Cashiers-Glenville Recreation Center, off Frank Allen Road.

See POOL page 8

Cooper2016’s most memorable moments

Lights, camera, actionMoviegoers around the world will soon see the slice of

heaven area residents call home. In January 2016, “Legacy of a Whitetail Deer Hunter” starring Josh Brolin and Danny McBride shot scenes in Cashiers. In May, a production team

for an ABC TV movie reboot of the 1980s classic “Dirty Dancing” took over High Hampton Inn and Country Club for filming. The special stars Abigail Breslin, Sarah Hyland, Katey Sagal and Debra Messing, among others. Several TV shows

also visited southern Jackson County last year, and “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” starring Frances McDormand and Woody Harrelson filmed in Sylva.

Sports successesThe Blue Ridge Early College boys basketball team won its first

Little Smoky Mountain Conference Tournament Championship since the mid 90s in February 2016, kicking off a banner year for

the Bobcats. In the spring, Blue Ridge’s baseball team finished the year 15-5 — its best record since 2006. Fall brought conference championships to the Bobcat soccer and volleyball teams, and the middle school volleyball team finished first in the Jackson County Middle School

Conference with an undefeated, 14-0 record. Across all sports, many Blue Ridge athletes took home all-conference honors and individual accolades. Sophomore soccer player Noah Pressler finished first in the nation for assists with 48.

Making mischiefAn attempted break-in at Cashiers Valley Pharmacy in March

2016 started a string of crimes in the valley and county. Vandals desecrated Judacalla Rock in April, and multiple bomb threats in the county in May cleared several government buildings. A man took a cash safe from Mica’s Restaurant and Pub and Red Bird Golf Links in Sapphire in early July, and men in masks attempted to

steal a safe from Carolina Smokehouse later in the month. An arrest was made in the Judaculla Rock incident, but not the other cases.

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2

3

REVIEWYEAR IN

See YEAR IN REVIEW page 7

This week: A look at how much commissioners are paid, Page 3Next week: Paying for law and order: How sheriff pay stacks up

The Number$ of PoliticsArea neighbors get together after 65 years, 0

FRIENDLY REUNION

(Editor’s note: Due to the holidays and an early deadline, some reports were not available in time for this week’s edition.)

Arrest reportFollowing is the most

recent ar rest repor t received from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office for Cashiers, Cullowhee, Glenville, Sapphire and Tuckasegee. All persons l isted a re innocent until proven guilty in a courtroom.

On Dec. 20, Cory Robert Pressley, 35, of Glenville, was arrested and charged with trespassing. He was issued a $500 unsecured bond.

On Dec. 23, Stacy Ellis Blanned, 46, of Cashiers, was arrested and charged with possessing/concealing stolen property, larceny after breaking and entering and breaking and entering of a motor vehicle. She was issued a $5,000 secured bond.

On Dec. 25, Barbara Heather Leanne Luker, 32, of Tuckasegee, was arrested and charged with child abuse and simple physical assault. No bond information was given.

On Dec. 26, Rex Spencer Walkingstick, 17, of Tuckasegee, was arrested and charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance. He was issued a $500 controlled substance.

On Dec. 27, Fransisco Artruo Serrano, 38, of Cullowhee, was arrested and charged with failure to appear — driving while license revoked. He was issued a $5,000 secured

bond.On Dec. 28, Eddie

Dwayne Potts, 45, of Cullowhee, was arrested a nd cha rged with trafficking opium or heroin and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was issued a $20,000 secured bond.

On Dec. 30, Benjamin Bryant Wynn, 27, of Cullowhee, was arrested and charged with breaking and entering and larceny after breaking and entering. He was issued a $15,000 secured bond.

Fire reportFollowing is the most

recent fire report from the Cashiers-Glenville Volunteer Fire Department.

At 2:17 p.m. Dec. 20, there was a call for a fire alarm at Jennings Builders Supply.

At 5:13 p.m. Dec. 21, there was a call for an automobile accident on Norton Road.

At 6:55 p.m. Dec. 23, there was a call for an automobile accident on Silver Run.

At 1:21 p.m. Dec. 25, there was a call for a gas leak on Stillmont Circle.

At 4:44 p.m. Dec. 28, there was a call for a brush fire at the intersection of Highway 107 and Pine Creek Road.

At 6:20 p.m. Dec. 28, there was a call to establish a landing zone for Mountain Area Medical Airlift in Sapphire.

At 1:20 p.m. Dec. 29, there was a call for a downed tree on Silver Slip.

At 1:45 p.m. Dec. 29, there was a call for a downed tree on a building at High Hampton Inn and

Country Club.At 2:05 p.m. Dec. 29,

there was a call for a downed tree on Yellow Mountain Road.

At 2:20 p.m. Dec. 29, there was a call for a power line on fire on Bee Tree Road.

At 6:36 p.m. Dec. 30, there was a call for an automobile accident on Highway 64 West, ½ mile from the crossroads.

At 5:23 a.m. Dec. 31, there was a call for an automobile accident on Bee Tree Road.

At 8:18 p.m. Dec. 31, there was a call for a brush fire on Bull Pen Road.

At 1:30 a.m. Jan. 1, there was a call for mutual aid to Highlands for a chimney fire at Old Edwards Inn.

At 11:09 p.m. Jan. 1, there was a call for a carbon monoxide alarm activation on Foggy Ridge.

(The responses through Dec. 31 put the Cashiers-Glenville Volunteer Fire Department at 706 calls in 2016, which was up from 605 in 2015.)

– Crossroads Chronicle – Wednesday, January 4, 2017

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MilestonesWCU programs granted continuing accreditation

Western Carolina University’s teacher education programs have been granted continuing accreditation by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.

WCU officials were notified recently of the accreditation decision made by the Selected Improvement Commission of the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. The accreditation of WCU’s teacher education programs will remain in effect until fall of 2021.

In a letter of notification, Christopher Koch, president of

the CAEP, congratulated WCU and said the decision indicates the teacher education programs “meet rigorous standards set forth by the professional education community.”

Dale Carpenter, dean of WCU’s College of Education and Allied Professions, sent his email of congratulations to those involved in the university’s teacher education programs.

“This is affirmation of the quality of what you do every day to prepare educators,” Carpenter wrote. “We are fortunate to work in such a wonderful and supportive

environment with great folks all around, including partners in the schools in the region and across the state. Students, staff, faculty and administrators across the university have worked together to achieve this recognition.”

Carpenter gave special recognition to Kim Winter, associate dean in the college, and Renee Corbin, the college’s director of assessment, for their leadership in the accreditation effort.

The NCATE report indicates that WCU met all accreditation standards for initial and advanced

educator preparation in the areas of candidate knowledge, skills and dispositions; assessment and unit evaluation; field experiences and clinical practice; diversity; faculty qualifications, performance and development; and governance and resources. The evaluation does suggest that WCU teacher education students be provided with more opportunities to interact with a diverse population of other teacher education students.

For more information about WCU’s teacher education programs, visit teachereducation.wcu.edu or email [email protected].

Submitted photo

Residents win area contestZoller Hardware store manager Brent Eason, left, presents a $500 shopping spree to Chad Collins last month. Collins was one of two area residents who were chosen as winners in Zoller Hardware and Do it Best Corp.’s fall Shopping Giveaway. Mary Ashley Cole was the second winner. Eason said he was delighted to provide two of its customers with the opportunity to make their home improvement projects a little more exciting.

EMERGENCY RESPONSES

Submitted photo

2 join health department staffThe Jackson County Health Department recently welcomed two new providers to its clinic, Nancy Peneff, left, and Amy Krutsch. Both providers are currently offering services such as adult health, family planning, employee health, sexual health and more in the clinic. Call 828-586-8994 for more information on services.

BY MICHAEL GEBELEINCarolina Public Press

County commissioners in North Carolina control some of the most important facets of a community, including the county tax rate, development and rezoning policy, the makeup of county departments, compensation of county employees and, in some cases, large portions of a county’s education funding.

Another thing they control: Their own salaries.

Every commissioner in Western North Carolina receives a salary, the level of which the board of commissioners sets in the county’s budget, according to North Carolina law. Those salar ies vary greatly between counties, as do benefits, such as health insurance and retirement payments that commissioners receive. Sometimes they vary based on the size or economic prosperity of the county, but not always.

Carolina Public Press requested records detailing the compensation packages for county commissioners from each of the 19 WNC counties. The only county that did not provide those records in a timely manner was Haywood County, though older figures from another source are provided below.

Although counties can have different numbers of commissioners on their board, each of the 19 WNC counties has a five-member board.

Highs & lowsBuncombe County

commissioners are, by far, the highest paid in the region. It’s also much more populous than the other counties.

Former Buncombe chairman David Gantt received an annual salary of $37,650. That seat was claimed by Democrat Brownie Newman, the former vice chairman of the board, in November’s election. Newman, as vice chairman, received an annual salary of $31,254. Each of the other commissioners receive $26,475 per year. Commissioners elected Ellen Frost to serve as vice chairwoman at a meeting earlier in December. Records show that, prior to her election as vice chairwoman, Frost was receiving a salary of $28,916 per year, slightly higher than other commissioners.

By comparison, the per capita income in Buncombe County for 2015 was $27,066, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Henderson County, the second largest in the region, and with about half the population of Buncombe County, pays its commis-

sioners an annual salary of $11,917 for regular mem-bers and $19,194 for the chairperson. Each com-missioner receives a travel allowance of $3,649.99. The chairperson also receives a $546 mobile-phone allow-ance. Henderson County commissioners addition-ally receive $75 for each special called meeting — meetings that commis-sioners call apart from their regular meeting schedules.

Avery County commis-sioners are the lowest-paid in the region, with regu-lar members receiving a salary of $5,665 per year. The board’s chairperson receives $8,755 per year. Mitchell County commis-sioners are paid $6,300 for regular members and $8,100 for the chairper-son. Polk County officials range from $6,100 for regular members, $6,822 for the vice chairperson and $7,534 for the chair-person.

In Graham County, WNC’s smallest county by population with 8,600 residents, according to census data, commissioners make $7,040 per year. Clay County, with a slightly larger population than Graham County at 10,700 residents, pays its commissioners $10,452 per year for regular members and $16,066 per year for the chairperson. Clay commissioners also receive a $2,400 travel stipend. Swain County, with a population of 14,400, pays its chairperson $12,545 per year and a $3,900 mileage allowance.

Regular commissioners are paid $6,273 per year and are given a $3,250 mileage allowance.

County-by-county breakdown

The following list gives the basic numbers for each county, with the population number in parenthesis next to each county being the July 2015 estimate from the state Office of Budget and Management.

Avery County (pop. 17,816)Chairperson: $8,755Commissioners: $5,665

Buncombe County (pop. 254,836)Chairperson: $37,650Vice chairperson: $31,254Commissioners: $26,475

Burke County (pop. 89,114)Chairperson: $9,094.08, $720 (mileage), $480 (cellphone)Commissioners: $8,074.38, $720 (mileage), $480 (cellphone)

Cherokee County (pop. 27,770)Chairperson: $13,610Commissioners: $13,186

Clay County (pop. 11,036)Chairperson: $16,066Commissioners: $10,452

Graham County (pop. 8,761)Commissioners: $7,040

Haywood County (pop. 60,631)

Editor’s note: Haywood County responded to CPP’s requests for other county salaries, but so far not those for county commissioners, though no one has said that the county is refusing to provide this information. The figures below are for the 2014-2015 fiscal year and are taken from a report by the University of North Carolina School of Government. Chairperson: $13,949Commissioners: $12,205

Henderson County (pop. 112,511)Chairperson: $19,194, $546 (phone), $3,949 (mileage)Vice chairperson and the commissioners: $11,917, $3,649 (mileage)

Jackson County (pop. 41,597)Chairperson: $17,096.51, $2,600 (mileage)Commissioners: $12,164.41, $2,600 (mileage)

Macon County (pop. 34,771)Chairperson: $11,724.63, $4,800 (mileage)Commissioners: $10,062.70, $4,800 (mileage)

Madison County (pop. 21,663)Chairperson: $7,702, $6,840 (mileage)Commissioners: $5,269, $3,420 (mileage)

McDowell County (pop. 45,370)Chairperson: $15,792Commissioners: $13,392

Mitchell County (pop. 15,335)Chairperson: $8,100Commissioners: $6,300

Polk County (pop. 20,828)Chairperson: $7,534.02Vice chairperson: $6,822.92Commissioners: $6,100.12

Rutherford County (pop. 67,617)Commissioners: $10,894

Swain County (pop. 14,953)Chairperson: $12,545, $3,900 (mileage)Vice chairperson /commissioners: $6,273, $3,250 (mileage)

Transylvania County (pop. 33,745)Chairperson: $11,006.84Commissioners: $9,210.76

Watauga County (pop. 53,737)Chairperson: $8,688, $3,325.80 (mileage)Commissioners: $7,212, $2,426.88 (mileage)

Yancey County (pop. 17,959)Chairperson: $9,726.82Commissioners: $8,402.45

Wednesday, January 4, 2017 – Crossroads Chronicle –

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Weather statistics observed at and courtesyof the Cashiers Area Weather Center

Cashiers 7-Day Weather Forecast

Today: Mostly cloudy. High near 43. Winds NW at 10 to 20 mph.Tonight: Partly cloudy skies giving way to cloudy skies. Low near 26. Winds NNW at 10 to 15 mph.

Last Week’s Statistics Moon Phases

Thursday

Hi: 40Lo: 23

0% chance of precip.

Hi: 31Lo: 13


Hi: 37Lo: 20


Hi: 37Lo: 20


Hi: 32Lo: 13


Hi: 42Lo: 31


Friday Saturday

Sunday Monday Tuesday

Date High Low PrecipDec. 25 61º 50º 0.00”Dec. 26 53º 47º TraceDec. 27 58º 44º TraceDec. 28 56º 38º TraceDec. 29 51º 28º 0.18”Dec. 30 35º 23º 0.00”Dec. 31 41º 26º Trace

FullJan. 12

NewJan. 27

LastJan.19

FirstJan.

5

Government

Counties pay commissioners varying salaries

JASON FARMER | The Sylva Herald

Every commissioner in Western North Carolina receives a salary, the level of which the board of commissioners sets in the county’s budget, according to North Carolina law. The Jackson County Board of Commissioners is comprised of, from left: District 2 Commissioner Boyce Dietz; District 1 Commissioner Charles Elders; Commissioners Chairman Brian McMahan; District 3 Commissioner Ron Mau; and District 4 Commissioner Mickey Luker.

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Wednesday, January 4, 2017

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ThoughT of The week

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We welcome letters from our readers. We urge brevity, both for the sake of effectiveness and the demands of space; letters should be no longer than 500 words. All letters are subject to the same editing for clarity applied to our staff contributions. We will not publish anonymous letters; letters praising or criticizing businesses by name; letters making personal attacks or personally hurtful statements; endorsements of or letters from political candidates; or copies of letters to other publications. Because we want to provide access to a variety of viewpoints, each letter writer will be limited to one letter every four weeks.

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Letters poLicy

Two Points of View

As 2017 starts, look ahead and not to the past

Tis’ the season for a lot of things, one of which is “to forgive.”

We’re taught from a young age to forgive those who trespass against us, especially during the holidays and as a year comes to an end and a new one begins, though that might be one of the hardest acts for human nature to allow. Throwing away one calendar and hanging another on the wall is enough to make us list out resolutions and goals, but it’s often not enough to wipe the slate clean and start over grudge-less in the new year.

The Bible has a lot of things to say about forgiveness, and regardless of whether you are particularly religious, the lessons still carry a lot of weight: “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave

you,” states Colossians 3:13.

“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times,’” according to Matthew 18:21-22.

And then there’s one of the most famous Bible verses about forgiveness, John 8:7, which states: “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.”

A quick Google search can give you plenty more,

but the point is obvious: Who are we to judge? Let bygones be bygones.

As 2017 begins, it’s time to take those grudges we’ve been hanging on to and leave them in the trash with our old calendars. It’s easy this time each year to look back on the past 12 months and reflect on the bad that has occurred, especially when discussing the problems of the world at large, not just those issues here at home. We’re lucky to live in a community where the seriously bad issues are kept to a minimum, though we all still have some troubles we’re holding on to as we start to write January on paperwork.

So this weekend, as you start to consider some resolutions to embrace, make sure that you don’t carry your grievances with you the next few weeks and months.

“...it’s time to take those grudges we’ve been hanging

on to and leave them in the trash with our old calendars.”

Stay calm, Roy, and enjoy the rideWhen it comes to

House Bill 2, legislative Republicans are absolutely hapless.

Republicans conceived HB2, the solution to a problem that doesn’t exist, last March — hoping to use it as a wedge issue against gubernatorial candidate Roy Cooper and other Democrats.

It backfired.When Republicans

realized this, they claimed that Cooper and the Charlotte City Council had set a trap, the council passing the ordinance that triggered the ill-conceived HB 2 and all of the resulting national business backlash.

If Cooper did set that trap, it was the cleverest political move he’s ever

made. If he set the next trap that Republicans fell into, then he deserves the Nobel Prize for Machiavellian Science.

Cooper announced Sunday, Dec. 18, that he had brokered a deal with House and Senate leaders to repeal HB2. If the council would repeal its original ordinance, then the legislature would repeal HB2 and both the ACC and NCAA would like us again.

In announcing the deal, Cooper looked like a can-do governor,

a problem solver, a bi-partisan fixer, even high-minded after the Republican legislature had eviscerated his powers the week before. What a mensch!

Republicans then fell into the next trap, which probably was not consciously set by the Democrats. They reneged on the deal, claiming they couldn’t trust the city council and that Democrats had undermined the agreement.

Even in this post-facts era, their arguments don’t hold up. By the time the legislative session opened, the council had repealed all provisions that Republicans wanted repealed, and legislative

Republicans didn’t need a single Democratic vote to pass the repeal. They have veto-proof majorities in both chambers.

The truth here is that the extreme wing of the GOP, the one that really believes that cross dressers are stalking ladies’ restrooms and that HB2 is needed, didn’t want to repeal the bill. They like it, and they delight in how it upsets their culture-war enemies.

Now, instead of hearing that sports leagues and top-flight entertainment acts are re-scheduling appearances for 2017, we hear that the NAACP is considering a national economic boycott

Today in North Carolina

Paul O’Connor

See ROY page 5

Spotlight turns to the state courtsOne key consequence

of the 2016 elections in North Carolina was the state’s court system drew a great deal of attention. You can expect that attention to continue, and perhaps to lead to constructive change, during the coming year.

Four election stories had the effect of turning the political spotlight to the judicial branch. Democrat Mike Morgan outpolled Bob Edmunds, an incumbent Republican on the North Carolina Supreme Court, thus shifting the partisan balance on the state’s officially nonpartisan high court from a 4-3 Republican edge to a Democratic one. At the same time, Republican

candidates won all of the elections for Court of Appeals, making that 15-member body strongly Republican.

With Democrat Roy Cooper narrowly defeating GOP Gov. Pat McCrory and Republicans retaining their supermajorities in the General Assembly, the partisan atmospherics grew stormy. Republican lawmakers concluded they had inadvertently produced Morgan’s victory by the following convoluted process: 1)

establishing a “retention election” for the Edmunds seat in 2016, rather than a truly competitive one; 2) then losing the subsequent court case about it; 3) then watching the Supreme Court race revert to the previous “nonpartisan” system and not intervening to put party labels back on the ballot, as they had for the Court of Appeals races; and 4) then watching Morgan’s name get placed first on the ballot, the position GOP candidates held in other races, thus leading Republican voters to think they were choosing the GOP candidate when they voted for him.

If you look at vote totals across conservative-leaning counties,

you can see why this explanation is the most plausible one. Edmunds got many fewer votes in those counties than did comparatively obscure Republican candidates for appeals court. It strains credulity to assert these voters made such careful distinctions among the Republican judges.

But what was the proper remedy? A few Republicans toyed with the notion of creating two more openings on the Supreme Court and allowing outgoing Gov. Pat McCrory to fill them, with subsequent partisan elections to be held in 2018. But McCrory himself and

JohnHood

Columnist

See COURTS page 5


Opinion

most other Republicans never thought this was a defensible remedy for the errors that led to Morgan’s win.

What happened instead was that lawmakers resurrected an old idea Roy Cooper himself had proposed while serving in the North Carolina Senate. Both the state and federal appeals courts handle most of their cases as three-judge panels. But the federal courts also occasionally hear cases “en banc,” meaning before all the judges of a circuit. During a post-election special session, the North Carolina legislature authorized a similar process for the state appeals court.

Why do this? Because Democrats are about to attempt to re-litigate every court

challenge they’ve made against Republican-enacted policies (the ones they didn’t already win before a Republican-majority Supreme Court, I mean). An en banc hearing before the full Court of Appeals may add another step to the process.

Whatever you think of this change, it does signify that Republican lawmakers are willing to consider changes in the structure and operation of the state courts. Well, they are about to get many more proposals for change. The North Carolina Commission on the Administration of Law and Justice, a panel created by Chief Justice Mark Martin in 2015, will publish its final report in 2017.

I serve on the commission. Our findings and recommendations address every aspect of the justice

system in North Carolina, from civil litigation and criminal procedure to technology upgrades and judicial selection. During our work, we found that while most North Carolinians have confidence in our state courts and the judges who preside in them, they are also concerned about the time and money it takes to litigate cases, the independence of judges and the treatment of juveniles, racial minorities and low-income people, especially those who represent themselves in judicial proceedings.

The commission’s report will offer legislative leaders and the new Cooper administration an opportunity to work together on important issues. Here’s hoping they seize it.

John Hood is chairman of the John Locke Foundation — a political think tank based in North Carolina.

of North Carolina. The mess remains and just keeps getting deeper, and there’s no one to blame but legislative Republicans.

Why legislative Republicans? Because even if the Democrats did bamboozle them, they fell for it. Remember the old saying: “Fool (trap) me once, shame on you. Fool (trap) me twice, shame on me.”

But, honestly, who thinks the Democrats are smart enough to set these traps? They just ran a presidential candidate who got three million more votes than a reality TV star and still didn’t get elected.

With HB2 still on the books, Cooper and state Democrats have a club with which to hammer Republicans for the 10 months leading up to next fall’s legislative elections, the elections ordered by a federal court that found racial gerrymandering in the Republican redistricting plan of 2011.

Look for Gov. Roy Cooper, the problem solver, the bi-partisan fixer, out on the campaign trail, asking voters to “give me strength,” just as former Gov. Jim Martin, a Republican, did in the 1980s when he faced a hostile legislature.

In the 2017 legislative elections campaigns, Republicans have just handed back to Democrats the club Cooper used to win the governorship. That’s the definition of hapless.

Paul O’Connor has covered state government for 38 years and is a lecturer in UNC Chapel Hill’s School of Media and Journalism.

COURTSContinued from page 4

ROYContinued from page 4

FAMILY FEATURES

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Get Organized with FlairIf getting organized is on your to-do list, you might as well have fun doing it. Creative planners add flair to everything from calendars and lists to thank-you notes and files with colorful gel pens. Gel Bee pens use only the highest quality inks and tips for a bold, smooth and luxurious writing experience, and are available in Classic, Glitter, Pastel and Neon. Find more colorful options to optimize your organization at gel-bee.com.

Despite most New Year’s resolutions centering on physical health-related goals, dreams and desires, there are many other ways to better yourself in 2017. By focusing on different parts of your life, you can become a more well-rounded person thanks to a few simple tips, tricks and products.

Incorporate more than just health goals into your 2017 plans by spending time and resources to improve your organization, balance your budget, invigorate your mind, increase time with loved ones and, yes, boost your body’s well-being.

To help accomplish these goals and more, you can add to your repertoire creative planners and pens, budgeting apps, digital tools, simple games and kitchen equipment, among other products.

For more ideas and inspiration to better your life in the New Year, visit eLivingToday.com.

5 ways to meet and exceed your 2017 goals

Better BudgetingPaying off debt and saving money in 2017 is easier with a budget that is simple to create and follow. EveryDollar, a free budget tool that syncs across devices such as your computer, iPhone or Android, helps you stay up-to-date on your finances by viewing what’s planned, spent and remaining, any time, any place. Your first budget takes an average of just 10 minutes to create, so it’s easy to get started. Find more information at EveryDollar.com.

Fun Family TimeWhile so many New Year’s resolutions are centered around individual goals, there are ways to better both yourself and those most important to you – family members. One way to increase family time with fun, engaging activity is with classic board games, card games or jigsaw puzzles that can serve as the main event for a designated weekly night together. With varying options for different age groups and interests, there’s a board game or puzzle out there for every family.

Add to Your ArsenalFor many people looking to better their health in the coming year, the thought is much easier than the action. Prepare yourself for all of the fruits and vegetables you plan to add to your diet with the right tools to turn ingredients into delicious recipes, such as a blender. A versatile kitchen tool to have on hand, a blender can give you the ability to turn an ordinary breakfast into a standout smoothie or make it easier to opt for a healthier frozen fruit drink rather than a soda.

Yearn to LearnWith all the attention paid to physical health goals around the New Year, don’t forget about your mental health. By investing in an e-reader or tablet, you’ll give yourself a tool to stay up-to-date on current events plus a handy device that allows you to keep many of your favorite books right at your fingertips. With their variety of functions and abilities, tablets and e-readers can help you combine learning with entertainment.





The mission of Hampton Preschool and Early Learning Center is and has always

been to create a rich and challenging emer-gent curriculum that cultivates life-long learning in a safe, healthy, and caring environment and that respects the unique-

ness of each child. HPELC serves toddlers, preschool, and school-aged children in three classrooms, each rich in age-appropriate discovery and learning opportunities.

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To inquire about an application for your child, volunteer, or to donate, please contact Misty Berry, Director

828-743-3056.

Cashiers Education Corner

Upcoming Events

Two restaurants to open at WCU this month This month will bring the

opening of two restaurants in Noble Hall, Western Carolina University’s new mixed-use facility located at the corner of Centennial and Central drives.

A Subway sandwich shop once again will be in operation on the WCU campus when the husband-and-wife team of Scott and Shelley Welch officially open their doors today, and the first Chili’s Grill & Bar in North Carolina west of Asheville will be firing up its grill Monday — which also happens to be the first day of WCU’s spring semester classes.

The Welches operated a Subway franchise in rental space in WCU’s old commercial strip on Centennial Drive until Nov. 21, 2013, when a fire severely damaged a building that housed their restaurant and two others, Rolling Stone Burrito and the Mad Batter Bakery and Cafe. The university’s master plan already called for the eventual construction of a mixed-used facility at the site to include both student residential units and commercial space, so trustees of the Endowment Fund of Western Carolina University, which owns the property where the commercial strip was located, decided to accelerate plans for the new building. The fire-damaged structure and other rental units in the strip were removed to make room for the $29.3 million Noble Hall, which opened to student residents in August and includes rental space for five businesses.

“We are extremely excited to finally be re-opening,” Scott Welch said. “It’s been a long road, but we are very proud of our brand new store with the upgraded decor. It’s turning out to be a beautiful store and fits in nicely with the overall feeling of Noble Hall.”

The campus Subway will be open 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday

through Friday and 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Scott Welch said he and his wife own a total of six Subway franchises, including the WCU location. The couple operates two Subways in Franklin and also has restaurants in Sylva and Cherokee, and another one inside the Sylva Walmart. The hiring of employees to work at the WCU site is ongoing, and some of those already hired are being trained at the couple’s other locations, he said.

“The majority of them are WCU students, many of whom live just above us in Noble Hall,” Scott Welch said.

Operated by Aramark, WCU’s

food service partner, the Chili’s Grill & Bar will have regular operating hours of 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday.

The restaurant, which represents the latest Chili’s prototype cu r rent ly in development, is bringing more than 70 jobs to the WCU campus, said Scott Lamond, resident district manager for Aramark. Chili’s will be filling about 4,200 square feet of space in Noble Hall and will seat 125 customers inside and 75 on the patio.

“We have an enthusiastic, energetic team eager to serve guests looking for delicious food

and drink in a fun and relaxing setting,” Lamond said. “We’re excited to bring Chili’s Fresh Tex and Fresh Mex favorites to students on Western Carolina University’s campus.”

Chili’s is the flagship brand of Dallas, Texas-based Brinker International Inc., which has more than 1,550 Chili’s locations in 31 countries and two territories.

With the opening of Subway and Chili’s, three of five commercial tenants will be in operation in Noble Hall. Bob’s Mini Mart, a convenience store that was dislodged from the space it had occupied for about three decades as a result of the Noble project, was re-opened

by owner Bob Hooper in late October. Owners of MadStone Cafe and Catching Light Books, a combination cafe and bookstore, expect to open their doors in early February. The three partners in that venture include two entrepreneurs who were forced out of their locations by the fire — Suzanne Stone of Rolling Stone Burrito and Jeanette Evans of Mad Batter Bakery and Cafe — along with WCU alumnus Chris Wilcox, owner of City Lights Bookstore in Sylva. The opening for a fifth Noble Hall commercial tenant, a campus outpost for Sylva-based outdoor recreation retailer Blackrock Outdoor Co., is predicted for early 2017.

Photo courtesy of Western Carolina University

This month will bring the opening of two restaurants, Subway and Chili’s Grill & Bar, in Noble Hall, Western Carolina University’s new mixed-use facility located at the corner of Centennial and Central drives.

Following are the upcoming events

through Jan. 18

WednesdaySenior center

activitiesThe Cashiers Senior

Center will offer the following activities for seniors ages 50 and older: 10:30 a.m. — computer class with Jim Neal; 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. — card making with Toni Murphy — preregistration required. For more information, call 828-745-6856.

ThursdaySenior center


Center will offer the following activities for seniors ages 50 and older: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. — walking club at the Cashiers-Glenville Recreation Center; 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. — paper art class with Lawrie Williams — preregistration required. For more information, call 828-745-6856.

Library movie showing

Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library will show “Ben-Hur” at 3:45 p.m. in the media room. It is rated PG-13 and runs 2 hours and 30 minutes. Movies and refreshments are free, but donations are accepted. For more information, call the library at 828-743-0215.

FridaySenior center activity

The Cashiers Senior Center will offer the following activity for seniors ages 50 and older: 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. — paper art class with Lawrie Williams. For more information, call 828-745-6856.

MondaySenior center


Center will offer the following activities for seniors ages 50 and older: 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. — making a snowman wall hanging with Linda Clark — preregistration required; 12:30 p.m. — mental health awareness topic with Leslie Lawson of the Smoky Mountain Center. For more information, call 828-745-6856.

Commission meetingThe Jackson County

Board of Commissioners will hold a regular meeting at 3 p.m. at the Jackson County Justice and Administration Building, 401 Grindstaff Cove Road, Room A201, Sylva, NC 28779.

Solid Waste Board meeting

The Jackson County Solid Waste Board will hold its regular quarterly meeting at 5 p.m. at Skyland Services Center, 876 Skyland Drive, Sylva, NC 28779.

TuesdaySenior center


Center will offer the following activities for seniors ages 50 and older: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Medicare drug coverage seminar with Diane Parker; 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. — walking club at the Cashiers-Glenville Recreation Center; 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. — making a snowman wall hanging with Linda Clark — preregistration required. For more information, call 828-745-6856.

Work sessionThe Jackson County

Board of Commissioners will hold a work session at 1 p.m. at the Jackson County Justice and Administration Building, 401 Grindstaff Cove Road, Room A227, Sylva, NC 28779.

Occupy WNC meeting 7 p.m. at The Sneak

E Squirrel Community Room, 1315 W. Main St., Sylva, NC 28779 (just past the library on Highway 107 North toward Dillsboro.) Call Lucy Christopher at 828-743-9747 for more information.

Jan. 11Senior center


Center will offer the following activities for seniors ages 50 and older: 10:30 a.m. to noon — wire and tissue sculpture class with The Bascom — preregistration required; 1 p.m. — winter word search and crosswords. For more information, call 828-745-6856.



Center will offer the following activities for seniors ages 50 and older: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. — walking club at the Cashiers-Glenville Recreation Center; 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. — stock pastel workshop with Doreyl Ammons — preregistration required. For more information, call 828-745-6856.

Jan. 13Senior center activity

The Cashiers Senior Center will offer the following activity for seniors ages 50 and older: 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. — beginning acrylic class

with Pauline Marr. For more information, call 828-745-6856.

Jan. 16Senior center closedThe Cashiers Senior

Center will be closed in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. The center will reopen Jan. 17 with normal operating hours.

Recycling centers closed

All Jackson County solid waste facilities will be closed in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. The facilities will reopen at 7 a.m. Jan. 17.



Center will offer the following activities for seniors ages 50 and older: 10:30 a.m. — writing with Sylvia; 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. — walking club at the Cashiers-Glenville Recreation Center; 1 p.m. — exercising with Charlie. For more information, call 828-745-6856.

Work sessionThe Jackson County

Board of Commissioners will hold a work session at 1 p.m. at the Jackson County Justice and Administration Building, 401 Grindstaff Cove Road, Room A227, Sylva, NC 28779.

Jan. 18Senior center activity

The Cashiers Senior Center will offer the following activity for seniors ages 50 and older: 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. — basket class with Junetta Pell — preregistration required. For more information, call 828-745-6856.


Year in Review

Getty Images

The 2016 campaign trail provided a volatile mix of insults and outlandish behavior by the two major party candidates. In the end, Republican businessman Donald Trump defeated Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton

Tragic timesA homicide and subsequent month-long search for a shooter disrupted the peace

and quiet of a Cashiers winter in February and March of 2016. Tim Norris was gunned down in his home off Panorama Trail Feb. 3. On March 7, his stepson, Thomas Glenn Palmer Jr. of Tignall, Georgia, was charged with first-degree murder. He is currently behind bars on armed robbery charges in Wilkes County, Georgia, and will not face trial in North Carolina until the Georgia case is settled.

In June, a Cashiers area teenager was hit with felony charges after law enforcement officials said a domestic dispute escalated into violence. Logan McKay Woods, 19, was charged with assault with a deadly weapon — causing serious injury, a felony, and secretly peeping while using an imaging or photographic device, also a felony. The assault charge stemmed

from an alleged stabbing incident that occurred on June 7 at a residence on Natureview Lane. Woods is scheduled to appear in court on February of this year.

Fall brought a countywide search for Qualla resident Eunice Gass, who was reported missing in September. She was last seen alive in Sylva running errands. On Oct. 24, her remains were found by two ATV drivers who were riding in the Cherokee National Forest. Emergency officials believe Gass was on her way home after errands and, in a confused state, found her way onto a logging road in a particularly remote, rugged area of Monroe County, Tennessee, just beyond the Cherokee County line.

Digging deeperResidents now pay more at the register after approving a quarter-penny sales tax

increase referendum in June 2016. While the money raised by the tax cannot be allocated to any particular recipient in the language of the sales tax proposal itself, the

Jackson County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution in the spring that promises to put proceeds into local public schools and community colleges’ capital projects fund. Also in June, commissioners raised the property tax rate by a penny and half to pay for an increase in emergency services.

Across the state, North Carolinians are paying more at some businesses after the North Carolina General Assembly imposed a sales tax on labor and services, such as motor vehicle repairs and home repairs. The expanded sales taxes are a part of an effort to lower income taxes and not disproportionately reduce revenue.

Breaking groundFrom a new Dollar General in Sapphire to two residential communities and

commercial property expansions in the Cashiers commercial district, construction boomed in 2016. Multiple nonprofit organizations also started or finished projects to

help them grow into the future. In March, the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society opened a new state-of-the-art adoption center. In May, Highlands-Cashiers Hospital started renovations on its emergency room. The project, slated to cost $6.7 million and be completed this year, will provide additional lobby seating and improve the quality and privacy of patient

rooms. Also seeking to provide its visitors with better experiences, The Village Green announced in July that it plans to build a 6,400-square-feet community building near its existing stage and commons area. The building will be a versatile multiuse facility, with space for a wide range of community events, concerts and meetings.

Weather woesAn exceptionally dry summer began to take its toll on Jackson County farmers

and businesses in July 2016. It also set the stage for a series of fall wildfires locally and across Western North Carolina. Some welcome rainfall fell in late November and early December, but the damage had already been done. A fire at Whitewater Falls totally destroyed the staircase and access facility to the waterfall observation deck and will cost more than $300,000 to fix, said Nantahala District Ranger Mike Wilkins. It will take thousands more

to repair other structures in the region. Going into the new year, Jackson County remained in extreme-drought conditions.

Telecommunication troublesThe last year was another bad one for Cashiers residents and visitors wanting

reliable cellphone service. Verizon Wireless, which had been working for more than a year to relocate and upgrade its tower near the crossroads, told the Chronicle in an

email it expects the tower to be live next year. It was originally supposed to be operational at the beginning of October, but Verizon and Crown Castle, the company tasked with building the tower, ran into problems. To help maintain a level of coverage for its customers after moving a longstanding 120-foot tower at the crossroads, Verizon had Crown Castle

erect a temporary tower in its place. The tower is much shorter than the original one, however, and many residents have complained that mobile coverage has dropped off significantly in the area since the temporary structure was installed.

Election feverBefore 2016, there was no point in the history of the United States that so many

voters cast their ballot as a measure to try to keep one candidate or the other out of the Oval Office. The campaign trail provided a volatile mix of insults and outlandish behavior by the two major party candidates. In the end, Republican businessman Donald Trump defeated Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, though Clinton won the popular vote by a couple million votes. Locally, the Jackson County Board of Commissioners returned to

a Republican majority after commissioner candidates Ron Mau and Mickey Luker won the election, defeating Democrats Vicki Greene and Mark Jones. There are three Republicans and two Democrats now serving.

Bathroom breakdownsOn March 23, 2016, Gov. Pat McCrory signed into law the Public Facilities Privacy

& Security Act, more commonly known as HB2 or the “bathroom bill,” which banned local non-discrimination ordinances and required transgender people to use public

bathrooms corresponding to the gender listed on their birth certificate — among other restrictions. The action was a direct response to a Charlotte City Council ordinance, which provided numerous anti-discrimination measures, including several that focused primarily on transgender individuals. Response to HB2 was swift from companies, sports

associations and public figures with established and prospective business interests in the state, resulting in millions of lost revenues. Last month, a promising compromise between Charlotte and legislators in Raleigh to repeal HB2 failed.

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THE 2016 YEAR IN REVIEW WAS COMPILED BY CHRONICLE STAFF MEMBERS. THE ORDER OF ARTICLES ARE NOT LISTED BY RANKING.

2016’S TOP TWO CASHIERS CARTOONS

Why it’s a favorite by Chronicle cartoonist Peter M. Morlock: “Any time I get to poke a little fun at an inconvenient problem such as Frank Allen Road is a ‘good draw’ for me.”

Why it’s a favorite by Chronicle cartoonist Peter M. Morlock: “When I submit ideas for consideration, there are some that I think, ‘No way will this fly’... Then I’m surprised when it does.”

HONORABLE MENTION

April 6, 2016 — I love Cashiers, not trashersWhy it’s a favorite by Chronicle cartoonist Peter M. Morlock: “I wanted this to inspire

and create a movement. Cashiers is just too pretty to disrespect with garbage and I’d love to keep it that way.”

HONORABLE MENTION

May 8, 2016 — Mock DOT plans for Highway 64Why it’s a favorite by Chronicle cartoonist Peter M. Morlock: “Sometimes I believe

the old acronym ‘KISS’ is the smartest way to go.”

would have four members from each of the two major political parties and the chairmanship would alternate with Republicans controlling even-numbered years and Democrats taking the leadership seat in odd-numbered years.

The setup would be much the same on the county level as the local board will go from three members to four. Under the current system, the board features two members from the party of the incumbent governor and one from the minority party. The new system would feature two members from each major party and an alternating leadership seat.

While the basic premise of the bill has been laid out for county board of elections directors, the potential impact of reorganizing the local boards is uncertain.

“It will change just like every other county in North Carolina — it will change the structure, so we’ll have four board members versus three and that will go into effect in July,” said Lisa Lovedahl-Lehman, director of the Jackson County Board of Elections, on if SB4 is upheld. “The board members now will stay as-is until then, but I have no instructions on how to proceed from Jan. 1 to July.”

In each odd-numbered year the Republican and Democratic parties at the county level nominate two people to serve on the county board of elections for a two-year term.

A final provision in SB4 would make N.C. Supreme Court judge races partisan beginning in 2018.

Frank Burrell, chairman of the Jackson County Democratic Party, said he doesn’t think the changes laid out in SB4 are necessary to maintain fair elections, particularly in Jackson County, where there have been few, if any, complaints about the elections board.

“We saw no reason to change something that’s been working well for years,” he said. “Obviously, it’s a move (for Republicans) to try to stay in control or stay partly in control. Who knows.”

North Carolina’s voter ID law was in place for the March primary election, meaning that everyone who went to the polls had to show some form of photo identification or have an excusable reason for not having such ID. That law was struck down by the U.S. Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals in July and essentially realigned voting laws with 2014 standards prior to the November general election.

Jackson County Republican Party Chairman Ralph Slaughter said that decision led to some issues with elections in other parts of the state this year and the passing of SB4.

“I know that in a number of counties we had very difficult voting problems, and again all of that ties back in with the voting problems relating to the no-voter-ID decision,” Slaughter said.

Slaughter was quick to point out that there have been no problems conducting fair, transparent elections in Jackson County, however.

“I think Jackson County is ranked as the number five board of elections in the entire state,” he said. “They’re very, very good and very, very thorough.”


Ten Reasons To Advertise During Tough Times

1. You’re Open. You still turn your lights on. Why not invite people in? If you are open for business at all, you must market that business.

2. Opportunity. When the pie gets smaller you can still get a larger slice. Advertising during tough times increases your odds of being the vendor of choice and seizing share from your competitors.

3. Reliability. When your business gets softer, increase your core media. Media mix is a desirable goal except during tough times when you need to rely more heavily on your base medium; newspaper.

4. Proven Results. Newspapers get proven results. During tough times, your advertising needs to be focused on ROI and not other nice options. Newspaper advertising is a proven ROI vehicle.

5. Fish Where the Fish Are. .Newspapers offer the best local reach and that means that newspapers are the first place to look for consumers for your services.

6. Tough Customers. Consumers research purchases more during tough times. Be among the considered choices. The newspaper is the marketplace for shoppers and if you aren’t there, you may not be considered as a choice for those who are buying.

7. Credibility. Advertising in a credible medium is an indication that you are.

8. Bravado. Never show your fear. Advertising indicates your confidence in your business.

9. Convert Wants Into Needs. During tough times, consumers buy what they need and not what they merely want. It is up to you to convince consumers they need what you offer.

10. Start the Funnel. Even if customers are not buying today, advertising is your opportunity to start people thinking about what is important to buy and who from. It will pay off later.

Newspaper advertising. A destination, not a distraction.

www.newspapermedia.com

Newspaper Association of America 4401 Wilson Blvd., Suite 900, Arlington, VA 22203 571.366.1000

Ten Reasons To Advertise During Tough Times

1. You’re Open. You still turn your lights on. Why not invite people in? If you are open for business at all, you must market that business.

2. Opportunity. When the pie gets smaller you can still get a larger slice. Advertising during tough times increases your odds of being the vendor of choice and seizing share from your competitors.

3. Reliability. When your business gets softer, increase your core media. Media mix is a desirable goal except during tough times when you need to rely more heavily on your base medium; newspaper.

4. Proven Results. Newspapers get proven results. During tough times, your advertising needs to be focused on ROI and not other nice options. Newspaper advertising is a proven ROI vehicle.

5. Fish Where the Fish Are. .Newspapers offer the best local reach and that means that newspapers are the first place to look for consumers for your services.

6. Tough Customers. Consumers research purchases more during tough times. Be among the considered choices. The newspaper is the marketplace for shoppers and if you aren’t there, you may not be considered as a choice for those who are buying.

7. Credibility. Advertising in a credible medium is an indication that you are.

8. Bravado. Never show your fear. Advertising indicates your confidence in your business.

9. Convert Wants Into Needs. During tough times, consumers buy what they need and not what they merely want. It is up to you to convince consumers they need what you offer.

10. Start the Funnel. Even if customers are not buying today, advertising is your opportunity to start people thinking about what is important to buy and who from. It will pay off later.

Newspaper advertising. A destination, not a distraction.

www.newspapermedia.com

Newspaper Association of America 4401 Wilson Blvd., Suite 900, Arlington, VA 22203 571.366.1000

828.743-5101 • Cashiers, North Carolinawww.crossroadschronicle.com

out over a long period out of an abundance of caution, Noland said. Because the store would be competing with both Highlands’ ABC Store and the other Jackson County ABC Store in Sylva, he said there was no guarantee as to how the store would perform in its first several years.

“It being new, we weren’t sure,” he said. “We had projected that the Cashiers store would do well, but you know there was no certainty. That’s why we went with (six) years. It’s just been better than expected, and the Sylva store has done well too. They lost a little, but they’re better than we expected.”

N o l a n d at t r ibuted the success of the Cashiers store to a number of factors, one of the largest being the large population of seasonal residents in the area.

“We have had a few new businesses open in both Sylva and Cashiers, so that has increased the mixed beverage sales,” he said. “But I guess one thing, I think, that has caused the sales to exceed our expectations is many of the seasonal people and second home people in Cashiers. Instead of having to drive to get alcohol, they would bring it with them from the state they came from. Now that we have the store, we have a lot of people come in and say, ‘I’m glad you guys are here now.’”

Ja ck s o n C o u n t y

Manager Don Adams said the success of the store has been a boon to the county’s finances the past two years. In the 2013-2014 fiscal year, prior to the Cashiers store’s opening, the county received $343,984.90. Just two years later, that number has climbed more than $100,000 to $444,542.97. From 2010 to 2015, the revenue generated by the ABC Board has climbed $282,090.56.

“To give you an idea, a penny on the tax rate is about $927,000,” Adams said. “These revenues aren’t designated for anything, sort of the biggest thing you can look at is how can it reduce the burden of the property tax. If you

take $282,000 and divide it by $927,000, you see it’s about 30 percent of a penny. That can offset the property tax by less than a penny, but that’s still a good amount of money. I believe some

additional things can be accomplished with that.”

Adams said he thought the financial success of the store and, in particular, the early completion of its loan payments served as a bit of a referendum on the decision to expand the ABC Board’s retail locations to Cashiers.

“For the new ABC Board this is a good moment for them. It’s good that they paid it off and it’s great they did it early,” he said. “That, in my mind, would back up the proponents of this back when it was done. There were probably people for it and against it, and it backs up the people who were for it.”

LOANContinued from page 1

BOARDContinued from page 1

Cashiers’ pool was built in the 1970s. For years, the Cashiers Community Council handled its maintenance and provided oversight.

Jackson County Parks and Recreation Director Rusty Ellis said until now, there have been few maintenance issues. The pool’s age, however, is beginning to show, he said.

There are cracks in the bathroom’s foundation, a possible sinkhole on the corner of the pool deck, tile and fencing issues, and a pool heater that is “broken beyond repair,” Ellis said.

“There’s a lot of structural issues that are starting to happen with the pool house,” said Michael Hopkins, assistant director of the Jackson County Parks and Recreation Department. “If you go and look at the far back end, where there’s some drainage stuff and potential to be a sinkhole, you can see cracks on the building that are half-an-inch to an inch wide in some places.”

The bottom of the pool was repainted about two years ago. In 2015, the pool house had to be re-roofed after a storm knocked a tree on top of it. Those are the only two maintenance items in 12 years, Hopkins said.

“As far as needing to have a heater for the pool, the temperatures get down

pretty low, even in the summertime,” he said. “You’re looking at 60-degree water in the summertime — some folks like that and some don’t.”

Officials don’t yet know the fixes needed before the upcoming pool season. The Cashiers pool is open from late May to early August.

Lofquist’s task is to assess the pool’s condition and equipment. He will list what’s needed to meet current regulations, develop cost estimates for repairs and create an annual maintenance budget.

Some of the maintenance could be

done during the next couple of years, rather than all at once, officials agreed.

Other items, such as increasing pool-deck space and fence height to meet current regulations, may be included.

The pool is grandfathered in, Hopkins said, so officials will wait to see cost estimates before prioritizing fixes. Local government considers the pool safe for use, he said.

Officials expect to have the full report this spring; however, Lofquist said he’ll have the information on immediate needs within a month.

From the Front

Adams

File photo

The bottom of Cashiers pool was repainted about two years ago. In 2015, the pool house had to be re-roofed after a storm knocked a tree on top of it. Those are the only two maintenance items in 12 years at the pool, but now more work is needed.

POOLContinued from page 1

CARTER GIEGERICH | Staff

Three area children win annual train giveawayJude Rice holds the grand prize he won in Ralph Hicks’ 10th annual train raffle. Barak Collins and Trenton Bryson also won trains.


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ANNOUNCEMENTS0105 Lost & Found0110 Personals0115 Thanks0120 In Memoriam0125 MiscellaneousSERVICES0205 Landscaping / Yard Work0210 Home Repair /Mainte-

nance0215 Construction0220 Painting0225 Housekeeping0230 Childcare0235 Instruction0240 Transportation0245 Miscellaneous ServicesEMPLOYMENT0305 General Employment0310 Food Services0315 Medical0320 Retail0325 Education0330 Part Time0340 Business Opportunities0345 Work WantedFOR SALE0405 Yard Sales0410 Antiques0415 Auctions0420 Appliances0425 Farm & Heavy Equipment0430 Firewood0435 Furniture0440 Lawn & Garden0445 Miscellaneous For Sale0450 Wanted to BuyTRANSPORTATION& RECREATIONAL0505 Autos for Sale0510 Trucks0515 SUVS0520 Vans0525 Motorcycles0530 ATVS

0535 Boats / Marine0540 RVS / Campers0545 Classic Cars0550 Parts & Accessories0555 Vehicles Wanted to BuyPETS & ANIMALS0605 Pets & Animals for Sale0610 Lost Pets & Animals0615 Free Pets & Animals0620 Wanted to Buy Pets &

AnimalsREAL ESTATE RENTALS0705 Homes for Rent0710 Apartments for Rent0715 Vacation Rentals0720 Seasonal Rentals0725 Condos for Rent0730 Cabins for Rent0735 Mobile Homes for Rent0740 Commercial for Rent0745 Lots for Rent0750 Warehouse / Storage0755 Wanted to RentREAL ESTATE FOR SALE0805 Homes for Sale0810 Land & Lots for Sale0815 Cabins for Sale0820 Condos for Sale0825 Farms / Farmland for Sale0830 Commercial for Sale0835 Real Estate WantedLAKE PROPERTY0905 Lake Property for Sale0910 Lake Property for Rent0915 Lake Property Lots &

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LEGALSLANDSCAPING /YARD WORK

CARRION TREE SERVICESpecializing in dangerous treeremoval and total tree care.Free estimates. 24 hour re-sponse. Fully Insured withWorkman's Comp and Gen-eral Liability. Every call an-swered personally by Owner,Emmanuel Carrion, with aquote the same day!! (828)371-4718. Carrion Tree Ser-vice. Now accepting creditcards.Do not put yourself at riskby hiring a tree companywithout Workmen's Comp.

LANDSCAPING, INSTALLA-TION, maintenance, clean-up.Year round caretaking. All yourneeds. (828)743-2806

HOME REPAIR / MAINTENANCE

Home Improvements. Renova-tions. Repairs. Remodeling. Li-censed Local Contractor. 828-526-6300.

MISCELLANEOUSSERVICES

SHIPPING SERVICES UPS &packing supplies. Stork's Wrap,Pack and Ship. Corner of HWY107 N. and Slab Town Rd.Cashiers. (828)743-3222.

GENERALEMPLOYMENT

GENERALEMPLOYMENT

CONSTRUCTION ASSISTANT

Westmark Construction Com-pany is seeking a highly orga-nized, detail- oriented, and re-liable individual to join ourgrowing team as a Construc-tion Assistant to provide directadministrative support to theConstruction and GeneralManager. Strong administra-tive background with construc-tion or property managementexperience preferred. Strongverbal and written communica-tion skills, organizational anddecision- making skills, andknowledge of Microsoft Office(Word, Excel, Outlook) are es-sential. 20-hours weekly withgrowth potential. Contact Russ828-743-7077 [email protected].

Get your CDL and go to work

as a driver $50,000 ++

ALLIANCE TRACTORTRAILER TRAINING

CENTERS

FULL JOB PLACEMENTCDL TESTINGVA APPROVEDFULL TIME AND PARTTIME CLASSES

GET YOUR CAREER TODAY

1-800-334-1203www.alliancetractortrailer.com

Part time housekeeper neededat Laurelwood Inn. Good pay,flexible hours. Stop by to fillout an application or call 828-743-9939 for more information.

OFFICE MANAGEROffice Manager for MountainFalls RV Resort in Lake Tox-away. Manage all office activi-ties. Computer skills and ac-counting knowledge as well asability to schedule and managestaff. Full time position. Greatpay and work environment.Email resume and cover includ-ing salary history to [email protected].

OFFICE MANAGER/BOOK-KEEPER – Small Cashiers lawfirm seeking office manager &bookkeeper with experiencewith A/P, A/R, Payroll, State &Federal taxes & Legal Real Es-tate Trust accounts. Resumesto [email protected] orcall 828-743-5200.

Full time position, year roundemployment. Xstream Ponds inCashiers, NC is looking for theright people to join their team.We build and maintain verycool waterfeatures here on theHighlands plateau. Rewardingwork and great environment.Call Bob at 828-506-4030.

FOOD SERVICES

LINE COOKBreakfast / Line Cook Wanted.Pay based upon experience.Call 828-782-0223

AUTOS FOR SALE

The Truck Barn we buy, sell,and detail. Beside Glenvillepost office. Oil change and littlemechanical work.828-226-2483

HOMES FOR RENT

3BR, 2 1/2 BA. Furnished,view, pond. $2000/mo plus util.1-2 year lease. Glenville. 217-494-0439.

4BR/2BA farmhouse for rent.Unfurnished. $1,200/mo. CallDennis Ford, 828-506-0147.

For Rent: 3BR/1BA. In town,nice lot, stream. Year-round$850 per month. 928-202-0051.

House for rent. 2 BR/1BA plusday room. $500 per month. OnPine Creek. 828-743-5996

LIL FARMHOUSEFully Furnished 1/1 is not foreveryone. (My office is 2ndbedroom with private entrance.)Includes utilities & approvedpet. Renters half is $650/monthto month BEFORE going into a6 month or longer lease. Nosmoking. References required.Yellow Mountain area. Debra828 743-3676

APARTMENTSFOR RENT

Three level townhouse nearCashiers crossroads. 2BR/2BA,w/d, garage, bonus room,screened-in porch. $900/mo,includes H2O. 828-508-2704.

Very nice 1BR apartment. Par-tially furnished. W/D unit. Allutilities included. $750/mo. 828-226-2483.

CABINS FOR RENT

MOUNTAINVIEW CABIN ON 5 ACRES

Remote secluded log cabin ontop of mountain off Big Ridgein Glenville... 5 miles north ofCashiers. 3/BR, 2.5/bath withscreened in porch and deck.Very private and great views. Rent on 1 year lease for$1575 per month plus utilities.All major appliances, furnitureand furnishings included. Call (512)717-1364.

COMMERCIAL FOR RENT

Downtown office space for rent.Call Ann at 828-506-4258.

Glenville Commercial building38 X 38. Located in very securegated storage site with securitycameras and key pad access.1,444 Sq. Ft. open floor plan.16X12 bay doors. $500 permonth plus security deposit.828-743-0811 or 561-289-8298.

LAND & LOTSFOR SALE

6 to 7 acre forest. Frontage onboth Shoal Creek and Tuck-asegee River. $79,000 by own-er 828-743-6347

COMMERCIALFOR SALE

Chestnut Square Cashiersdowntown retail or office spacein established busy shoppingarea. Charming 1.5 story build-ing with good parking. Poten-tially enough space for multiplebusinesses with private accessto the top level. Many possibili-ties!. $275,000. Betsy PaulProperties: 828.743.0880,www.betsypaulproperties.com.

IN THE GENERAL COURT OFJUSTICE

OF NORTH CAROLINASUPERIOR COURT DIVISION

JACKSON COUNTY16SP1021

IN THE MATTER OF THEFORECLOSURE OF A DEEDOF TRUST EXECUTED BYJOHN P. COCHRAN ANDBETTY J. COCHRAN DATEDNOVEMBER 28, 2003 ANDRECORDED IN BOOK 1394 ATPAGE 199 IN THE JACKSONCOUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY,NORTH CAROLINA

NOTICE OF SALE

Under and by virtue of the powerand authority contained in theabove-referenced deed of trustand because of default in thepayment of the securedindebtedness and failure toperform the stipulation andagreements therein containedand, pursuant to demand of theowner and holder of the secureddebt, the undersigned substitutetrustee will expose for sale atpublic auction to the highestbidder for cash at the usual placeof sale at the county courthouseof said county at 1:00PM onJanuary 18, 2017 the followingdescribed real estate and anyother improvements which maybe situated thereon, in JacksonCounty, North Carolina, andbeing more particularly describedas follows:

TRACT I:

BEING ANDCOMPREHENDING Lot #11C asshown on a map or plat datedDecember 2, 1982 revised July 1,1988 by Roy J. Tucker andAssociates, R.L.S. and recordedin Plat Cabinet 4, Slide 608, inthe Office of the Register ofDeeds of Jackson County.

SUBJECT TO that Declaration ofRestrictive Covenants dated May14, 1987 and recorded in Book659, at page 288, JacksonCounty Public Registry. Whichsaid Covenants grant accessfrom the above lot to the publicroad.

Tract II:

BEING ANDCOMPREHENDING Lot #11 Bcontaining 1.87 acres as shownon a map or plat dated December2, 1982 revised July 1, 1988 byRoy J. Tucker and Associates,R.L.S. and recorded in PlatCabinet 4, Slide 608, in theOffice of the Register of Deeds ofJackson County.

SUBJECT TO that Declaration ofRestrictive Covenants dated May14, 1987 and recorded in Book659, at 288, Jackson CountyPublic Registry. Which saidCovenants grant access from theabove lot to the public road.

And Being more commonlyknown as: 505 Meldaway Dr,Sylva, NC 28779

The record owner(s) of theproperty, as reflected on therecords of the Register of Deeds,is/are John P. Cochran and BettyJ. Cochran.

The property to be offeredpursuant to this notice of sale isbeing offered for sale, transferand conveyance "AS IS, WHEREIS." Neither the Trustee nor theholder of the note secured by thedeed of trust, being foreclosed,nor the officers, directors,attorneys, employees, agents orauthorized representative ofeither Trustee or the holder of thenote make any representation orwarranty relating to the title orany physical, environmental,health or safety conditionsexisting in, on, at or relating tothe property being offered forsale. Any and all responsibilitiesor liabilities arising out of or inany way relating to any suchcondition expressly aredisclaimed. This sale is madesubject to all prior liens andencumbrances, and unpaid taxesand assessments including butnot limited to any transfer taxassociated with the foreclosure.A deposit of five percent (5%) ofthe amount of the bid or sevenhundred fifty dollars ($750.00),whichever is greater, is requiredand must be tendered in the formof certified funds at the time ofthe sale. This sale will be heldopen ten days for upset bids asrequired by law. Following theexpiration of the statutory upsetperiod, all remaining amounts areIMMEDIATELY DUE ANDOWING. Failure to remit funds ina timely manner will result in aDeclaration of Default and anydeposit will be frozen pending theoutcome of any re-sale. If thesale is set aside for any reason,the Purchaser at the sale shall beentitled only to a return of thedeposit paid. The Purchasershall have no further recourseagainst the Mortgagor, theMortgagee, the SubstituteTrustee or the attorney of any ofthe foregoing.

SPECIAL NOTICE FORLEASEHOLD TENANTS: If youare a tenant residing in theproperty, be advised that anOrder for Possession of theproperty may be issued in favorof the purchaser. Also, if yourlease began or was renewed onor after October 1, 2007, beadvised that you may terminatethe rental agreement uponwritten notice to the landlord, tobe effective on a date stated inthe notice that is at least 10 days,but no more than 90 days, afterthe sale date contained in thenotice of sale, provided that themortgagor has not cured thedefault at the time notice oftermination is provided. You maybe liable for rent due under theagreement prorated to theeffective date of the termination.

The date of this Notice isDecember 28, 2016.

Grady I. Ingle or Elizabeth B. EllsSubstitute Trustee

10130 Perimeter Parkway, Suite400

Charlotte, NC 28216(704) 333-8107

http://shapiroattorneys.com/nc/

16-087031309216, 01/04/17-01/11/17





NOTICE OF SALE


TRACT I:



Tract II:










Charlotte, NC 28216(704) 333-8107


16-087031309216, 01/04/17-01/11/17





NOTICE OF SALE


TRACT I:



Tract II:










Charlotte, NC 28216(704) 333-8107


16-087031309216, 01/04/17-01/11/17

NOTICE TO CREDITORS ANDDEBTORS

OFCAROL LOUISE KENNEDY

All persons, firms, andcorporations having claimsagainst CAROL LOUISEKENNEDY, deceased, arenotified to exhibit them to RobertS. Rooth, as Administrator inc/o J. Edwin Henson, ResidentProcess Agent of the decedent'sestate on or before March 29,2017, at the offices of Henson &Black, PLLC, Attorneys at Law,Ten Chestnut Square, P.O. Box386, Cashiers, North Carolina28717, or be barred from theirrecovery.

Debtors of the decedent areasked to make immediatepayment to the above-namedPersonal Representative.

ROBERT S. ROOTHAdministrator

J. Edwin HensonAttorney at LawHenson & Black, PLLCTen Chestnut SquareP. O. Box 386Cashiers, NC 28717828-743-2453

#308260, 12/28/16-1/18/17


To God’s House

‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart

This is the first and greatest commandment.

and with all your soul and with all your mind.’

And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

Matthew 22:37-39

Cashiers Baptist Church Come worship with us at Cashiers Baptist Church and experience the life changing power of Jesus Christ. Sun-day services- Sunday school 10:00 a.m., worship 11:00 a.m., Discipleship training 5:00 pm, Worship 6:00 p.m., Wednesday prayer meeting 7:00 p.m. For more infor-mation go to www.cashiersbaptistchurch.com. 828-743-3040.

Cashiers United Methodist ChurchConnect at Cashiers UMC, one mile south of the cross-roads on Hwy 107. Sunday worship at 11:00 a.m. Ser-vice of Prayer & Healing Tuesdays at noon. Dinner at 5:30 p.m. and Bible Study at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday evenings. Programs for all ages. Learn more at www.ca-shiersumc.org or 828-743-5298.

Christ Anglican Church Christ Anglican Church: Sunday: 9:30 a.m. Sunday School, 10:30 a.m. Worship Service with Music. Monday: 6:00 p.m. Bible Study and Supper at Homes. Located at 464 U.S. Hwy 64E, Cashiers - 828-743-1701

Christ Church Of The ValleyJoin us 10:45 a.m. Sundays for fellowship, coffee, Spir-it-filled worship and Biblical teaching. KidzClub ages 3-8 and infant cry room during worship. Wed night gathering and dinner (May-Oct) 6 p.m. Men’s Bible Study Tues 8:00 a.m., Women’s 10:00 a.m. Located Hwy 64W towards Highlands past crossroads on right. 828-743-5470 Pastor Steve Kerhoulas.

Community Bible Churchwww.cbchighlands.com — 526-4685 - Pastor Gary Hew-ins, 3645 Cashiers Rd, Highlands. Sundays: 9:30 a.m.: Adult Sunday School, Prayer Group. 10:30 a.m. Children’s Program, 10:45 a.m. Worship Service. 5:00 p.m. Student Arts Group, The River Middle & High School Student Ministries, Tuesdays: 9:30 a.m. Women’s Bible Study, Wednesdays: 5:00 p.m.: Dinner 6:00 p.m. Children’s Pro-gram, Adult Teaching, Thursdays: 7:00 a.m.

Double Springs Church of GodWe at Double Springs Church of God, would like to invite everyone to join us for a spirit-filled worship experience, where you can find healing and restoration in the pres-ence of God. Our service times are Sunday School at 10:00 a.m. and Sunday morning worship at 11:00 a.m. Wednes-day evening bible study begins at 6:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome to join us for worship. We are located at 8231 Cullowhee Mountain Road, Cullowhee, NC 28723. 828-743-1966. Pastor Jeremy Chapman.

Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd1448 Highway 107 South, Office: 743-2359. Sunday Ser-vices: Rite I, 8:00 a.m., Rite II, 10:30 a.m. Nursery avail-able, 10:30 service. Sept 11- Oct 30-Informal Evening Eucharist-5:30 p.m. Thursday: Morning prayer, 8:35 a.m., Noon Healing Service with Eucharist. Christian Ed Programs and Bible Studies offered at various times. Our Family Activities group sponsors events year round. The Rev. Rob Wood.

Glenville Wesleyan ChurchJoin us for Sunday School at 10:00, Traditional/lively Wor-ship at 11:00. Bible study Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. GWC is lo-cated 5.4 miles north of Cashiers on Hwy 107. Where we are all about loving God and people from all walks of life. Pastor Ralph Campbell, 828-743-2998, [email protected] & Facebook.

Grace Community ChurchA non-denominational body of believers located on Hwy 107N, 1/2 mile from the crossroads in Cashiers. Sundays: 10:00 a.m. service includes contemporary praise music, sermon, communion and special prayer following the ser-vice. Wednesdays: catered dinner at 6:00 p.m. - Service at 7:00 p.m. Call 828-743-9814 for info or visit www.grace-cashiers.com. Steve Doerter, Pastor.

Hamburg Baptist ChurchSunday School - 9:45 a.m. Worship - 11:00 a.m.; Disci-pleship Training 5:00 p.m.; Worship - 6:00 p.m.; Wednes-day - 6:30 p.m. Kids Quest meal, Worship & Kids Quest - 7:00 p.m. Hwy 107, Glenville. Nathan Johnson, Pastor.

Holy Trinity Anglican ChurchMeeting Thursday, July 18th at 2:00 pm. After August 1st, services will be first and third Thursdays monthly. Book of Common Prayer is used with Fr. Nicholas Henderson, Vicar. Our location is 118 Hwy 64 West. www.holytrinity.org. Contact Jolene Niblack at 828-526-5406 or email [email protected].

Mountain Bible Church Mountain Bible Church meets at 4536 Big Ridge Road, Glenville, on Sundays at 9:45 a.m. for Sunday School, 10:45 a.m. service and Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. We are committed to exalting Jesus Christ by teaching truth and loving people. Facebook: Mountain Bible Church WNC

Pine Creek Baptist Church Pine Creek Baptist Church welcomes you to join us for Sunday School 10:00 a.m., Sunday worship 11:00 a.m. Wednesday night Bible Study 6:00 p.m. 4338 Pine Creek Rd. Cullowhee. Pastor Aaron Langston.

St. Jude Catholic ChurchSaint Jude Catholic Church 3011 Hwy. 64 East, Sapphire (across from Sapphire Valley Resort.) Tel: 828-743-5717. Mass schedule: Sunday, 9:00 a.m.; Thursday, 12:00 p.m.

Cashiers United Methodist ChurchHighway 107 South

743-5298 • www.cashiersumc.org

“Change the World”

4018

39

Rediscovering the Message & Mission of Jesus

Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m.

Clubs and Organizations

Glenville friends reunite after discovering pastsBY WOODY HAYNES

Special to the Chronicle

Four seasonal residents were together recently and realized their relationships go back more than 65 years.

Phil Fowler, Carolyn Haynes, Joy Cox Hooper and Bill Hutchison were all adjoining neighbors on Lakeside Circle Drive as children after their parents bought or had land and built houses and cottages above new Lake Glenville.

Phil Fowler’s family, Joe and Faye Fowler, came up from old Glenville in 1940-41 before the lake waters flooded the old viable town. They lived where the Stillpoint development is located today. The Fowler family came to old Hamburg-Glenville creek valley in 1880. Later, they built the Fowler House Inn and cottages for tourists. Nantahala Power and Light Company President J.E.S. Thorpe and many of his engineers stayed at the inn during the building of the dam and power works. Phil is married to Malina, a Norton descendant from the Whiteside Cove area. They live on Big Ridge part-time.

Bill Hutchison’s family moved up on new Highway 107 in 1943, one year after the town of new Glenville was established. His mother, Maude, taught at Glenville School where Buck’s Knob Landing at the base of Potato Knob is today. Bill, or “Hutch,” lived later on Lakeside Circle in the little yellow house where Hutch’s Christmas Tree Farm is located. His land joins Tom Sawyer’s, who also has a Christmas tree farm. Hutch and Marion spend time in the Glenville area and live in Brevard and central Florida.

Joy Cox Hooper’s family from Miami bought land in 1945 next to the Hutchison family. Plato and Edna Cox built a cottage with lumber cut off the property in 1946. Cox had a caretaker’s house that is believed to have been brought up from below the lake. Glen Kirkland and Fanny Jane lived in that house and raised cabbage, cows and children. Joy married Sylva resident Lambert Hooper and they divide their time between Sylva and Miami. The Cox’s

sold their land and it is now owned by ex-Houston baseball player Kenny Rogers (not the singer).

Last to settle on Lake Glenville was U.S. Air Force Col. Cyrus Kitchens, who bought 21 acres in 1950 and built a house and cottage in 1961-63 on Lakeside Circle Drive between the Cox’s and Fowler’s. Col. Kitchens was a charter member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) in Glenville. His wife, Harriet,

was active in the local Home Demonstration Club. Their children Kenneth and Carolyn Kitchens Haynes live on the property in separate houses in the summer. Carolyn married me at Cashiers Methodist Church in 1965.

In 2010, myself and Carol Adams formed a committee of 10 to collect the stories of old Glenville residents who lived below the lake and record the historic beginnings of the area from 1827. In 2014, the Glenville

Area Historical Society was formed. Bill Hutchison, Joy Cox Hooper, Carolyn K. Haynes and Phil and Malina Fowler have been part of the group since 2010. In August 2016, the Glenville Area History Museum opened to “exceed everyone’s expectations,” said some. Located on the left side of Signal Ridge Marina, it houses dozens of artifacts and displays of people in the 1900 to 1950s era. It will reopen to the public in the spring.

Submitted photo

From left, Carolyn Kitchens Haynes, Phil Fowler, Bill Hutchison and Joy Cox Hooper reunite. They were all adjoining neighbors on Lakeside Circle Drive as children after their parents bought or had land and built houses and cottages above new Lake Glenville.

Historical Society announces details for 2017 schedule

The Cashiers Historical Society will celebrate the 20th anniversary of its annual Showhouse fundraiser this year.

Showhouse 2017 will be held from Aug. 12 to Aug. 26 and will once again welcome many of the best interior decorators and designers in the southeast to work their magic on not one, but three new houses. The featured houses will be in the new Cottage Walk community on Burns Street in Cashiers.

In addition to the houses themselves, lectures on fabric, color, furniture, lighting and accessories are being scheduled throughout the duration of the Showhouse. Always an opportunity to see the latest in design trends, organizers of the event said the Cashiers Designer Showhouse will continue to provide inspiration to anyone decorating or redecorating a house or room.

Showhouse proceeds are used to fund the Historical Society’s operations, which this year include major repairs and an upgrade to the exhibits in the Zachary-Tolbert House. The Historical Society is also planning a “Heritage Apple Day” in March, which will provide interested growers with rootstock for grafting.

In June, there will be an exhibit of historical toys, which will be followed by a day-long heirloom plant symposium featuring three speakers talking about the plants and foods that sustained the people of Cashiers in the 1800s. There will also be a plant swap. The symposium will be followed by a month-long exhibit of Cherokee artifacts.

While the events are going on, a group from the historical society is also working on producing a new edition of “The Faces and Places” of Cashiers. Additionally, the Historical Society is working with other Cashiers organizations to develop a trail system that will run from The Village Green south along Highway 107.

Submitted photo

Sheila Hodges, chairwoman of the 2017 Cashiers Designer Showhouse, reviews plans for one of the Cottage Walk cottages to be featured in this year’s Showhouse.


ARIES: Mar 21-Apr 20Aries, relaxation seems like the perfect idea, but some restlessness might get in the way of these plans. Low-impact activities may be the way to go.

TAURUS: Apr 21-May 21Taurus, if you find it difficult to ask for what you desire, garner the courage and make a stand. Trust your instincts that you deserve what you are seeking.

GEMINI: May 22-Jun 21Gemini, you are in your ele-ment this week and you will be soaring on good vibes for several days. There’s no pressure to get things done, so keep on sailing.

CANCER: Jun 22-Jul 22Cancer, find your footing this week, which figures to be busy and hectic. Prepare a schedule so you can com-plete all the tasks at hand on time.

LEO: Jul 23-Aug 23Leo, optimism is good, but you may need to be a re-alist this week as well. Do not compromise common sense for the sake of see-ing the bright side of every-thing.

VIRGO: Aug 24-Sept 22Virgo, concentration comes naturally to you, but don’t focus so much that you be-gin to miss what’s going on around you. Seek a friend who can keep you smiling.

LIBRA: Sept 23-Oct 23Libra, you are eager to lis-ten and learn but you also want to share your own ex-periences. This week you will need to find a balance between being the student and the teacher.

SCORPIO: Oct 24-Nov 22Scorpio, avoid jumping to conclusions and encourage others to do the same. Al-low things to play out before forming any concrete opin-ions or developing a course of action.

SAGITTARIUS: Nov 23-Dec 21Make your decisions now before you add any more information to the mix, Sag-ittarius. Your judgement could be clouded by unnec-essary data coming your way.

CAPRICORN: Dec 22-Jan 20Capricorn, you are at a turn-ing point in your life and now may be a good time to make a few important changes. This may involve a new ca-reer path or new friends.

AQUARIUS: Jan 21-Feb 18Aquarius, even if you have a lot to get done, you will be able to think on your feet and make changes as needed. Maintain your self-confidence throughout the week.

PISCES: Feb 19-Mar 20Actively explore your im-pulses in the next few days, Pisces. You may not have a chance to do so in the com-ing weeks.

CLUES ACROSS 1. Pain 5. Near the stern of a ship 8. Certified public accountant11. External appearance13. Neither14. He played with Peter & Mary15. Maximum16. Irish republican organization17. Swedish rock group18. Source of chocolate20. Counterparts to women21. Type of levy22. More tasteless25. “Use Somebody” rockers30. Burst31. Flightless, fast bird32. Type of salami33. Charges to live somewhere38. Ji dynasty’s ancestral home41. They play music43. One who cancels45. Resin from an African tree47. Shellfish49. Notre Dame coach Parseghian50. Thorougbred horse race: __ Stakes55. Empire in pre-colonial C. Africa56. Small piece of caramel57. Hillsides59. Does great60. Israeli city __ Aviv61. Brief appearance62. Danish krone (abbr.)63. Midway between east and southeast64. Database mgmt. system

CLUES DOWN 1. Sign language 2. In style 3. Syrian city 4. A long narrative poem 5. Living thing 6. Envision 7. Flat surface on a vessel’s stern 8. Scottish sport 9. They serve beer10. Expression of sorrow or pity12. When you expect to get there14. Bullfighting maneuver19. Double-reed instrument23. Rural Free Delivery (abbr.)24. Hardened25. Small cask or barrel26. Anger27. Female religious figure28. Central mail bureau29. Ruled Russia34. Geological time35. Catches fish36. As well37. Soviet Socialist Republic39. A moderately slow tempo40. Female reproductive organs41. Patti Hearst’s captors42. Twitchings44. Suitable for crops45. Cavalry-sword46. Greek sophist47. Dressed48. Tight crowd of people51. Basics52. “Raymond” actor Garrett53. Unstressed-stressed54. Old World tree58. Distress signal

HOROSCOPES

SUDOKU

Puzzle Solutions On Page 9

Puzzle Solutions On Page 9

Humane SocietyHe likes a forever home! Hey Mikey!

BY DAVID STROUDColumnist

In 1972, a television commercial for Life cereal debuted, and a three-year-old boy named John Gilchrist became an overnight sensation.

The advertisement aired for 12 consecutive years, and TV Guide ranked it as the No. 10 most popular commercial of all time. The most famous line in the commercial occurs when the young star eagerly consumes the cereal and his brothers exclaim, “He likes it! Hey, Mikey!”

Our own resident Mikey also got a taste of something he liked when he was able to spend a few weeks in a foster home just before Christmas. His foster mom gave us a wonderful account of how much Mikey enjoyed the comforts of home, and she shared those observations with us in hopes of finding a permanent forever family for this one-year-old male domestic medium hair mix.

Mikey is gentle, well-behaved and always uses his litterbox. He is a quick learner of house rules, and he soon grasped the concept of scratching on a post rather than on furniture. Mikey does tend to be somewhat possessive of his human companions, so he would prefer to be the only feline in the home. This playful, spirited young cat enjoys romping with his favorite toy, a cloth mouse tied to a string, but he also cherishes his cuddling and snuggling time on a warm, comforting lap. Affection and attention are a must, and Mikey will reward tender petting and nuzzling with gratitude and a soft, quiet purr.

The adoption fee for Mikey is only $80, which includes already being neutered, microchipped and up-to-date on vaccinations and flea/heartworm preventative. His adoption also comes with 30 days of free pet health insurance, a free starter bag of food and a free ID tag.

Start the new year by opening your heart and giving the sweet Mikey a loving, forever home. We guarantee he will like it.

The $30 FixWe’ve helped more than 1,000

animals in the past two years with low-cost spay/neuter, and we can help yours, too. Get your pet spayed or neutered with The $30 Fix!

The next CHHS H.E.A.R.T. of North Carolina transport to Humane Alliance in Asheville is Monday. All spays and neuters for cats and dogs are just $30. Payments and appointments must be made in advance.

FosterIf you love animals, but are

unable to take on the permanent commitment of lifetime adoption, then foster parenting is the perfect alternative! By temporarily fostering a CHHS dog, cat, puppy or kitten, you are actually helping us save two lives — the foster pet you are caring for, and the open space that creates in our shelter for us to save another abandoned and neglected animal.

Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society is located on Highway 64, two miles east of the Cashiers crossroads. The no-kill shelter is open six days a week, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Visit CHHS online at www.CHhumanesociety.org to see pictures and descriptions of all the shelter pets looking for forever homes.

MARTY BOONE | For the Chronicle

Start the New Year by giving Mikey a loving, forever home. We guarantee he will like it.

New year brings new art raffle paintingThe art raff le that

benefits the Cashiers-Glenville Volunteer Fire Department is kicking off 2017 with a beach painting by Tranny Robinson.

Robinson said she is delighted to offer her watercolor inspired by her favorite magazines and brought to life from her imagination for the raffle.

After a long career as a registered nurse, Robinson became a self-taught artist with “God’s help.” Her favorite media is watercolor and her paintings have been shown in art shows and fairs across the Carolinas.

Robinson and her husband make their home in Sapphire Valley and Columbia, South Carolina.

The beach painting can be viewed at Betsy Paul Properties in Cashiers and raffle tickets can be purchased at the same place. Raffle tickets are $5 each or a season ticket is $60, which purchases one ticket for each of the next 12 months.

Betsy Paul Properties is located at 870 Highway 64 West in Cashiers, next to the historic Toll House. Her office is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

Raffle checks should be made payable to the Cashiers-Glenville Volunteer Fire Department and either dropped by the office or mailed to Betsy Paul Properties, P.O. Box 713, Cashiers, NC 28717.

Submitted photo

A beach painting by Tranny Robinson is the prize in this month’s Cashiers-Glenville Volunteer Fire Department art raffle.

Area credit union to offer residents help with filing ’16 taxes

Over the last several months, almost 3,500 State Employees Credit Union tax preparers have been busy prepping for the upcoming tax season. This year, SECU will once again offer several options to assist qualifying members with filing 2016 federal and North Carolina tax returns.

Credit union tax specialists can help with the no-cost Internal Revenue Service sponsored Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program or SECU’s own Low-Cost Tax Preparation service. For those wanting to complete their own taxes, a self-service option utilizing TurboTax at a discounted price is available through www.ncsecu.org.

Starting Jan. 19, SECU tax preparers, who are also full-time credit union employees, will be on hand in all 257 branches to answer questions, complete and electronically file returns for eligible members.

Cost-saving financial programs such as SECU’s tax preparation services have proven to be financially and educationally beneficial for the cooperative’s members, the organization said. Last year, 96,000 North Carolinians qualified for free tax preparation services through VITA, while the Credit Union helped an additional 14,800 taxpayers file returns via SECU’s Low-Cost Tax Preparation services at $75 per return. At the close of the tax deadline, SECU filed nearly 111,000 federal and state income tax returns, helping residents claim roughly $72 million in total tax credits and collectively saving them an estimated $13.3 million in tax preparation fees.

“SECU’s ongoing partnership with the IRS to offer VITA, along with the credit union’s Low-Cost Tax Preparation option, continues to provide a tremendous number of members with access to free and discounted tax programs,” said Tenesha Carter, senior vice president of SECU Tax Preparation Services. “We’re here and ready to help members take advantage of these cost-saving benefits, strengthening

their overall financial outcome.”

Jackson County accepting unwanted Christmas trees

The Jackson County Solid Waste Department is accepting unwanted Christmas trees for free from Jackson County residents at the Cashiers Transfer Station, located at 4560 Highway 107 South, and at the Jackson County Transfer Station, located at 1172 Mineral Spring Drive. For more information, call 828-586-7577.

TDA to meet in CashiersThe Jackson County Tourism and

Development Authority Marketing Committee will hold a meeting at 1 p.m. Thursday at the Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce to consider marketing, promotional and website-related items for 2017.

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Education

SCC business law class holds mock trialsFor about 90 minutes one chilly

December morning, Carolyn Porter’s classroom morphed into a courtroom on the third floor of Southwestern Community College’s Burrell Building.

Porter donned a judge’s robe and pounded a gavel on her desk.

Students decked out in their Sunday best addressed classmates as “ladies and gentlemen of the jury” and did their best to advance the interests of their “clients.”

It was mock trial day in Porter’s business law class, an opportunity for students to put into practice the legal principles they’d spent a semester learning about.

“For some of these students, public speaking is actually quite scary,” said Porter, coordinator of SCC’s Business Administration

program. “I was proud of them for overcoming their anxiety and doing such a great job. One of the many benefits of SCC’s small class sizes is that we can do these kinds of interactive projects with our students.”

Both lawsuits brought before the students’ court were breach-of-contract cases. One was a construction case; the other was regarding a computer system purchase.

“I thought that the mock trials project was one of the best experiences I had the privilege to be a part of,” said Edward Rich, a student in the class.

Added Faye Dooley: “The exercise helped me understand how laws apply to a case in the real world. It was fun.”

Submitted photo

Instructor Carolyn Porter, seated at left, is shown with her business law class students who participated in mock trials in December. Pictured with Porter are, seated from left: Katie Farris of Franklin; Holly Phillips of Tuckaseegee; Cheyanne Bradley of Sylva; and Destini Blalock of Clyde. Back row: Caleb Sullivan of Sylva; Wioletta Koniecko Sikorska of Sylva; Faye Dooley of Sylva; Ryan Lee of Cullowhee; Edward Rich of Franklin; and Blake Ramey of Waynesville.

WCU professor, former Chronicle reporter are vying for literary award

Novels written by a Western Carolina University professor and by his former student are among the 147 titles in the running for the 2017 International Dublin Literary Award, widely acknowledged as one of the top — and most lucrative — honors in the publishing world.

Ron Rash, WCU's Parris Distinguished Professor of Appalachian Culture, is nominated for his “Above the Waterfall,” while David Joy, who holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from WCU and is a former reporter for the Chronicle, is among the nominees for his “Where All Light Tends to Go.”

The works by Rash and Joy are on the awards’ “longlist,” along with books by authors from around the world, as selected by librarians from 40 countries. That larger collection of literary contenders will be pared down by an international panel of judges. The “shortlist” of nominees will be announced in April, with the winner of the award to be revealed in June. The Dublin Literary Award carries a cash prize of more than $100,000.

The news that a faculty member and a two-time alumnus have been nominated for the significant award has created a buzz of excitement around the Coulter Building, home to WCU’s Department of English, said Brent Kinser, head of the department.

“To be named as a longlist finalist for the prestigious International Dublin Literary Award is a nice honor. To have two writers associated with the same school, as in our very own Ron Rash and David Joy, is a remarkable achievement, one that says volumes about both writers and the English department to which they belong, one as a professor and the other as a former student,” he said.

“Ron and David remain bright stars in

the crown of a department that has many and various stars in it. We’ll all be looking forward to the announcement of the shortlist in March and hope to see their names again. Now that will be the cause of major celebration,” Kinser said.

Rash, an award-winning author, came to WCU in 2003 as the university’s first Parris Distinguished Professor of Appalachian Culture. “Above the Waterfall” tells the story of the sheriff of a rural county who is nearing retirement and a park ranger

who is haunted by her past and how their paths cross when a local man is accused of poisoning a trout stream. Rash’s latest work, “The Risen,” hit bookstores in September. He is author of six other novels, including The New York Times bestseller “Serena,” and numerous collections of short stories and poetry.

While pleased to be on the longlist himself, Rash said he was delighted at the inclusion of one of the English program’s graduates.

“I am proud of David and proud of all of the English department’s teachers, especially Pam Duncan and Deidra Elliott, who taught and encouraged David at WCU,” Rash said.

Joy earned his bachelor’s degree in English literature

in 2003 and his master’s degree in professional writing in 2007. His “Where All Light Tends to Go,” his debut novel, is about a young man trying to break out the cycle of violence of his drug-making and abusing family. His second novel, “The Weight of This World,” is scheduled to be published in March.

“Sometimes an award nomination is plenty enough even if you don't take it home and, with the International Dublin Literary Award, just being on that list is aplenty,” Joy said.

Joy

Rash

Family endows scholarship through SCC Foundation

Over the final days of Jim Beasley’s life, family members took note of the kindness and care shown by SCC students as they made their clinical rounds last summer at Harris Regional Hospital.

“It seemed like every other person who came in his room was an SCC student,” recalled Jenny Holland, Beasley’s niece. “Whether it was for an X-ray, the ventilator, to draw blood or something else, the SCC students were so kind and so compassionate. Even if Uncle Jim wasn’t conscious, they would gently pat him and talk to him. You could just see they cared.”

To honor Jim and his wife Shirley — and to help future SCC health sciences students — the family has endowed the Jim and Shirley Beasley Health Sciences

Endowed Scholarship Fund.The principal will

remain untouched in perpetuity while a portion of the earnings from the investment of the fund will be made available to support SCC health sciences students pursuing an associate or WNC RIBN (Regionally Increasing Baccalaureate Nurses) degree.

SCC currently has 14 health sciences programs and is in the process of planning a new health sciences building.

Once that building is completed, SCC will be able to accept more health sciences students than ever — making the new scholarship particularly timely.

To make a contribution to the Beasley scholarship, or to learn more about the different giving options available for helping students through the SCC Foundation, call director Brett Woods at 828-339-4241 or email [email protected].

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