Keep trout & memories
Imagine you are an Atlanta resident. You’ve spent the last 10 years coming to the mountains to fish, but now you have to get written permission to fish the many roadside hatchery-supported streams in Cherokee County. Instead, you just buy a Georgia license and enjoy the freedom and resources there.
Unfortunately, thanks to NC SB220, that’s a likely new reality. SB220 is a new law that dramatically changes access to streams and private, unposted property.
Section 1 a stipulates that outdoorsmen will have to have written permission to cross any piece of private property or else face a class 3 misdemeanor. I can’t understand the point of being able to post your property when everything is treated as posted.
Trout fishing in North Carolina is a $1.38 billion industry, with hunting adding billions more. Cherokee County needs that revenue.
We have five hatchery-supported streams, many of which I grew up fishing as a kid and continue to fish now. They’re stocked because they are roadside and landowners are willing to allow folks to fish.
When I think of the memories I’ve been able to share with others, and of that being lost because of a kayaking controversy hundreds of miles from here, I get plum angry.
As it stands right now, SB220 looks favorable. Much ado has been made about section 4, but section 1 seems to be ignored and has passed a first reading at 40-2 in the senate, with our own state Sen. Kevin Corbin supporting it.
It’s not too late. Please contact state Rep. Karl Gillespie at 919-733-5859 or karl.gillespie@ncleg.gov as soon as possible.
A vote is expected in the next seven days. Urge him to vote no.
And while you’re at it, contact Corbin, too. We deserve to know why he voted for this bill.
Ben Wilson, Murphy
A risen Savior during Easter
Another glorious day happened last weekend, when millions of people around the world celebrated Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection from the tomb. A tradition that never grows old but brings a message of hope to all who believe Him.
No other holiday represents a sinless man hanging on a cross to die for humanity’s sin and telling the world there is freedom and liberty when folks come as there are. The One who hung on that cross was none other than God in human form.
God didn’t have to come at all. He could have just let us all die in our sin, without any assurance of eternal life with Him in heaven, but that is the beauty of the cross. Though painful and sorrowful, Jesus came willingly to be our substitute so that He could be victorious over death and the grave – and for those who chose to faithfully follow Him wherever He leads.
No other religion in this world has this blessed hope. Only the power and authority of a loving God can give us the blessed assurance of worshiping our Savior in the next life.
Some folks don’t believe in the here and after, but hell is as real as heaven is. Those who rejected God’s love will be judged for their actions and
sent straight to hell to be separated in total darkness for eternity.
Folks, you don’t want to go there. Please heed this warning. God doesn’t play games with our souls, but He does give all free will to choose where they will reside forever.
What a sad legacy to leave behind. But as long as you have breath there is hope for you.
Frank F. Combs, Blairsville, Ga.
Faith leaders back message
We, the undersigned faith leaders across North Carolina, unite in support of the Passover message shared by our Jewish colleagues on Sunday, April 13, 2025.
We will not permit the use of Jewish pain and fear as an excuse to attack political opponents, end free speech, terrorize our communities and undermine civil society.
A strong democracy and working in solidarity with each other keeps all of us safe and thriving.
We applaud our Jewish colleagues for this courageous message and commit to further action together.
Drew Ellis, Murphy
The writer is director of this effort. This letter was also signed by 136 other North Carolina clergy from across the state. To read the Passover message, visit newsobserver.com/opinion/article303999166.html.
Thankful for festival help
Just a brief message with an enormous amount of thanks for your support of the Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival.
With your willingness to promote the event, the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club was able to provide attendees with an inspirational and motivating
experience. I don’t have the official attendance yet for the event, but I think it was likely to be around 350.
I hope you will mark your calendar for next year’s event on March 28, 2026.
GATC’s goal is to raise awareness of the upcoming 2026 event and use the event to promote the many recreation and preservation opportunities across north Georgia.
Thanks again for contributing to GATC’s first time hosting the film festival. If you have any suggestions about how we might work better together in the future, please let me know.
Denise Ray, Blairsville, Ga.