The Jackson County Commission invited Library Director Tracy Fitzmaurice to come before the board and give a report on the state of libraries in the county after concerns were raised over library security last month. 

A bipartisan collaboration to bolster critical communication resources during natural disasters is gaining momentum in Congress after lessons learned during the devastation of Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina last year. 

A Jackson County commissioner brought up the issue of library security during the commission’s March 4 meeting, citing safety concerns for staff at the Jackson County Library in Sylva.

To the Editor:

When it comes to picking leaders, you’d think the minimum qualifications would include experience, integrity and a commitment to the public good. But here we are, staring down the barrel of Donald Trump’s nomination for FBI Director: Kash Patel.

This isn’t just another bad idea — it’s a threat to families across North Carolina and beyond. Sen. Thom Tillis has a choice to make: stand with the people of North Carolina or enable Trump’s dangerous agenda.

Let’s talk about Patel’s “qualifications.” Spoiler: there aren’t any. He’s never worked in law enforcement and has no experience managing an agency as large and critical as the FBI. What Patel does have is a track record of loyalty to Trump. That’s the real reason he’s in the running — not because he’s ready to lead but because he could weaponize the FBI against Trump’s so-called “enemies.” In fact, Patel authored a literal “enemies list.” If confirmed, he could use the power of the FBI to carry out Trump’s personal vendettas, not protect North Carolinians.

This isn’t just politics — it’s personal for working families in North Carolina. The FBI plays a critical role here, from tackling drug trafficking that devastates communities in Asheville to addressing cybersecurity threats in the Research Triangle. As someone who has had first-hand experience with cyber-attacks, I know firsthand how critical it is to have a competent FBI director who’ll focus on the real issues affecting North Carolinians.

I also think about how law enforcement impacts our communities every day. As a council member in the Village of Forest Hills and also as a parent, I worry about the safety of my community amid the increase in fentanyl and other drug trafficking. Do we really want someone in charge who thinks the FBI headquarters should be turned into a “Museum of the Deep State?” 

Patel’s nomination isn’t just unqualified — it’s dangerous. Under his leadership, the FBI could target progressive organizations and activists, leaving vulnerable communities in the crosshairs. North Carolina’s history shows the need for fair and impartial law enforcement, not a political henchman who could turn our democracy into a playground for MAGA extremism.

Sen. Tillis has often talked about the importance of the rule of law. Here’s his chance to prove he means it. North Carolinians deserve an FBI director who’ll prioritize our safety and security — not someone who’ll spend their time pursuing Trump’s paranoid fantasies. Sen. Tillis, it’s time to take a stand. Vote no on confirming Kash Patel to protect one of our nation’s most important institutions.

Nilofer Couture

Cullowhee

A lawsuit filed against Kituwah LLC that was initially dismissed is heading back to court after the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled last month that the tribally owned corporation waived its sovereign immunity.

The Stoner’s Ball is coming to Haywood County, but it may not be quite what people think. 

Jackson County Schools will install over 100 new security cameras throughout the school system after it received over a quarter of a million dollars from the Center for Safer Schools’ Safety Grant Program. 

The Town of Waynesville may soon start subjecting public meeting attendees to metal detectors in some form or fashion, Town Manager Rob Hites announced during a meeting on Sept. 13, saying that the town was aware of what they deemed credible threats to elected officials.

Whether you own a business or are simply trying to manage a household budget, phishing scams and cyberattacks are a risk to your security.

Jackson County will spend $7 million to convert four public school campuses to a single-point-of-entry system after commissioners voted  unanimously July 20 to fund the project from sales tax proceeds.