Western North Carolina courts are about to get a leg up, but it isn’t all that everyone hoped for. 

With the Fontana Regional Library agreement up for its 10-year review, Jackson, Macon and Swain county commissions are taking a look at the document. 

At the June 27 meeting of the Macon County Board of Commissioners, Chairman Bill Dyar was asked by Leah Gaston and the other two new board members for the opportunity to fully introduce themselves. Chairman Dyar agreed. 

The candidate filing period for November’s municipal elections that opened on July 7 ends this coming Friday, July 21, at noon, and although things are starting to solidify in some races, there have been and may continue to be some surprises. 

Jackson County has received a grant from Dogwood Health Trust to create a substance abuse recovery planning program over a two-year period. 

Skaters in Sylva finally have a place to ride in their own backyard after the opening of Sylva Pipes — a set of temporary skateboarding amenities constructed downtown.  

The proposed 2023-24 Fiscal Year general fund budget for Jackson County totals just over $88.1 million, an increase of about 5.9% over the current fiscal year amended budget. It is balanced with a tax rate of $0.38 per $100 of value.

An application to use Bridge Park and Main Street for the annual Pride event has led the Town of Sylva to a larger discussion about safety and the use of town resources for events held downtown.

Town Manager Paige Dowling officially presented the proposed 2023-24 budget to the Sylva Board of Commissioners during its May 11 meeting. Next, the public will have its opportunity for input during the 5:30 p.m. T, May 25 meeting of the town board.

Sylva has approved a zoning map amendment request in order to allow for the possible construction of an affordable housing development on Savannah Drive.