Last Monday marked the likely end of a career of service for outgoing Franklin Mayor Jack Horton. But, that career began decades before he ever held elected office. 

Horton, who served six years as mayor of Macon County’s largest town, also had a prior career as a town and county manager, mostly in Western North Carolina. While there are similarities and differences in those two duties, Horton said he’s tried to keep one guiding principle on the horizon the whole time. 

To the Editor:

For nearly 100 years, the Fontana Regional Library System has reflected the traditional mountain values of literacy, truth and community responsibility. These values guided our grandparents who built the first libraries in these mountains. They guided our parents who supported them. And they guide many of us today. Yet these long-held values are now at risk. 

Lavita Hill has dreamed of joining tribal council since high school. 

Painttown’s Shannon Swimmer feels less like she’s taking on responsibility with her new role — and more that she’s “stepping into it.”

Shennelle Feather of Yellowhilll took the leap because she saw the right opportunity. 

At any given moment, Perry Matthews — caterer, culinary instructor, homeschool curriculum-builder and veteran chef of upscale restaurants — was juggling enough responsibilities to fill an entire resume. Then along came November, and with it, another new role. 

After a sweeping victory in last month’s municipal elections, Matthews became a newly minted member of Sylva’s town council.

The town of Franklin now has a new mayor, vice mayor and council member.

After winning their elections in November, the board was officially sworn in during the town’s Dec. 1 meeting. Stacy Guffey, formerly the vice mayor, was sworn in as mayor, newcomers Jeff Berry and Travis Higdon were sworn in as councilmembers and Rita Salain was again sworn in after winning as an incumbent. 

To the Editor:

I just finished reading The Smoky Mountain News article about the proposed amendments to the FRL agreement. In the article quotes Todd Bryson: “the [FRL] Board of Trustees, they have more authority than what they realize to make some of these changes that need to be made.” 

Last month, an investigation by The Smoky Mountain News revealed that Jackson County Commissioner Jenny Lynn Hooper had missed at least 13 of 16 meetings of various oversight or advisory boards she volunteered to serve on after her November 2024 election. Since then, new information has come to light showing she’s now missed at least 14 of 17 meetings, but Jackson County Tourism Development Authority Chairman Robert Jumper still can’t cite any authority that exempts Hooper from the removal policy stated in TDA’s own bylaws. 

Swain County commissioners appointed Jason “Jay” Kirkland on Oct. 28 as board chairman, just shy of the 60-day following the former chairman Kevin Seagle’s resignation. 

Commissioner Bobby Jenkins brought forward Kirkland’s nomination, and Commissioner David Loftis immediately seconded the motion.

In-person early voting continues through Saturday, Nov. 1. Voters can vote in-person at their county board of elections and are able to register to vote the same day if necessary. 

Hours of operation can vary among polling places. Voters can find their polling place and the operating hours by checking voter registration at vt.ncsbe.gov. 

Minutes from the Dec. 3, 2024, meeting of the Jackson County Board of Commissioners show that newly elected Commissioner Jenny Lynn Hooper “stated her willingness to serve on the Tourism Development Authority, Transit Board and the Mountain Projects board.” Records from those three boards show she’s missed at least 13 of 16 meetings this year.