Jackson Democrats must choose among a crowded field
By Sarah Kucharski • Staff Writer
Voters in Jackson County will elect predominately Democratic county commissioners in this May’s primary elections, regardless of voter turnout.
Twelve of 13 candidates in the county’s unusually large commissioners campaign pool — fueled partly by incumbents choosing not to seek re-election — are running on the Democratic ticket, with three of the four district seats unchallenged by the Republican party.
Up in the air no longer: Judge’s ruling keeps McClure on the airport authority
By Sarah Kucharski • Staff Writer
Jackson County Airport Authority members are hoping to get on with business following a Superior Court ruling that re-establishes Tom McClure as the authority’s rightful chairman.
Closed session minutes reveal reasons for EDC probe
By Sarah Kucharski • Staff Writer
A Superior Court Judge has ruled that Jackson County Commissioners acted illegally when they closed meetings to discuss Economic Development Commission dealings.
Board made wrong decision, says press attorney
By Sarah Kucharski • Staff Writer
Jackson County commissioners’ failure to follow state Open Meetings Law was a failure to use common sense, said Mike Tadych, counsel to the North Carolina Press Association.
Open government always a good thing
It’s easy for elected leaders to say they support open government. Proving that support is something altogether different and more difficult.
A recent case in Jackson County highlights what often happens in real life. A judge last week ruled that the Jackson County commissioners used an illegal closed session in January 2005 to discuss the future of Tom McClure. McClure was the director of Jackson County’s Economic Development Commission and head of the airport authority.
Celebrating culture and the need for a library
There are many worthwhile upshots from The Sounds of Jackson County recording project, but two stand out among them: one, that something special can indeed happen when a community comes together; and two, the support for a new Sylva library is strong, and county commissioners need to sharpen their pencils in the upcoming budget year and find a way to find a way to pay for it.
The sounds of Jackson County: Landmark collection of local performers bands together for Jackson County library fundraising event
By Sarah Kucharski • Staff Writer
Backstage at Western Carolina University’s Fine and Performing Arts Center, the rehearsal room buzzed with activity as musicians tuned guitars, rosined their bows and warmed up their voices in preparation for last Tuesday’s (Jan. 10) Sounds of Jackson County concert.
The Sounds and the stories
By Michael Beadle
In gathering the performers who would help make the Sounds of Jackson County a reality, organizers invited 40 different local musical groups to donate their time and talents to record an album and play a concert that would serve as a fund-raising event for the construction of a new Jackson County library.
Daycare closing leaves 70 families in the lurch
By Sarah Kucharski • Staff Writer
Approximately 70 families are in limbo as Jean’s Kids Palace, a daycare in Whittier, faces possible closure.
The privately run daycare is located in the Old Whittier School near the Jackson-Swain county line and services children ages birth to 12 years old. The building was owned by Doug Revis of Revis Hardware in Whittier and has been for sale for several years. However, the $500,000 price tag — more than $160,000 over tax value — was too expensive for daycare director Jean Cochran to purchase.
Methane gas project at old landfill is all good
It’s not always about the money, at least not at first. That’s a point to keep in mind as the methane gas recovery project in Jackson County continues to move forward.
