$140,000 Environmental Study for Snapshot Tool of How We Are Doing

The Mountain Resources Commission is developing a status report that will be called the WNC Sustainability and Vitality Index. The report has something to do with a near-comprehensive compilation of data about the region’s ecosystem, and lots of those nebulous words and phrases that make one feel green. The US Forest Service appropriated $140,000 for the study.

The seventeen-member advisory commission was formed, at least in terms of ephemerides, after the midnight hour of the 2009 legislative session.

“They are bound by law not to go past midnight unless they climb up on a ladder and literally stop the clock. That bill passed with the clock physically stopped, and it was a miracle it got through. Mountain legislators are the key to it passing,” [MRC member Jay] Leutze said.

Too Poor for Politics

Maggie Valley Alderman Scott Pauley and his wife, Dorene, a member of the planning board, are calling it quits. They say the move is not political, but several years of thin business for the Lowe’s Motel, which they own, have made it economically infeasible for the family to remain in the valley.

The FCC is likely to award the Canary Coalition a high-powered radio station, at 95.3 FM, with the ability to broadcast into three states. Western Carolina University would like the frequency instead of its weak signal currently broadcast from 90.5 FM. WCQS, the Cherokee Boys & Girls Club, and a Georgia nonprofit also applied for the frequency. WCU is planning to sue for the rights to operate on the frequency (business as usual in FCC issues).

Avram Friedman of the Canary Coalition thinks suing is an irresponsible use of stretched taxpayer dolars appropriated for education. Old radio hands wonder if the Canary Coalition will be able to sustain the large enterprise solely with nonprofit donations. If successful, Friedman would keep the public up-to-date on the latest in climate change, keep activists in touch, and even play green music.

Finalizing

Cherokee County will start issuing revaluation notices in January, but the new assessments, won’t go into effect until December 31. They must first be finalized. Property values in general have been dropped. Unlike other counties, Cherokee didn’t wait for more prosperous times for the reval.

Notable Headline

A headline in the Mountain Xpress reads: Latest Victim of the Killer Economy. The Old North State Clothing Company is closing after an ambitious expansion in 2007 and a 75% drop in sales the next year.