Just before sunset on Oct. 15, Becky and I left home for the Jackson County Airport, its runway laid on a flattened-off ridge near Cullowhee named Berry Mountain.

Friends of Panthertown invites Panthertown volunteers, board members, partners, hike leaders, conservationists and friends to join us for an afternoon of appreciation and celebration. This event is happening from 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, in downtown Sylva at 116 Central Street.

The “Bachelor of Fine Art Portfolio Exhibition” will be displayed through Dec. 6 at the Western Carolina University Fine Art Museum in Cullowhee. 

With the General Election over and two new members set to join the Jackson County Commission in December, the board is going to consider an increase to commissioner pay during its last meeting with the current board makeup. 

When district leadership presented school improvement plans to the Jackson County Board of Education during its October meeting, one school board member had serious questions about the efficacy of the academic products the school system is employing. 

The man still known for his protracted electoral feud with former Democratic Rep. Joe Sam Queen — the two faced off five times from 2012 through 2020, with Mike Clampitt winning three times — will continue to represent Jackson, Swain and Transylvania counties.

The 19th annual WNC Pottery Festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, in Bridge Park in Sylva. 

With two current commissioners not seeking reelection, no matter the outcome, the Jackson County Commission will have two new faces following next week’s election. 

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, Jackson County Economic Development has put together a grant opportunity for businesses impacted by the storm.  

While most of the river access points and parks are open along the Jackson County Greenway, there has been some damage that will take some time to clean up since the FEMA cleanup group has to remove debris before the county can start its own cleanup and repairs.