‘Stronger Than The Storm’
A reading for “Stronger Than The Storm: Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina” will take place from 5–7 p.m. Saturday, June 7, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva. The collection features work from over two dozen contributors reflecting on last fall’s storm. Proceeds support ongoing Helene relief efforts.
Budget increases, millage rate decreases in Jackson
The proposed Jackson County budget for fiscal year 2025-26 contains a six cent decrease in the millage rate, and yet, for most people in Jackson County, property tax bills will increase significantly.
Sylva statue demeans Memorial Day display
To the Editor:
On Memorial Day — a holiday that originally honored Union soldiers who died defending the principles enshrined in our Constitution and Declaration of Independence, and now encompasses all who have served these United States — my wife and I revisited my childhood haunts in Western North Carolina.
‘Concerts on the Creek’
The Town of Sylva, Jackson County Parks and Recreation Department and Jackson County Chamber of Commerce are proud to present the 16th season of the annual “Concerts on the Creek” music series.
Part of broader effort, Helene recovery bill offers $60M for small businesses
When Hurricane Helene slammed into Western North Carolina in late 2024, public attention focused on damaged homes, washed-out roads and the rigid bureaucracy meant to help with recovery, but the widespread physical damage was closely followed by a slow-moving economic catastrophe unfolding among the region’s small businesses, farmers and local governments. Now, eight months later, help may finally be on the way.
'Equal opportunity offender:' Community defends FRL amidst Jackson’s possible withdrawal
Two weeks after the Jackson County Commission floated a possible withdrawal from the Fontana Regional Library system, residents showed up to speak at the May 20 commission meeting for more than three and a half hours of public comment, with the majority voicing their opposition to withdrawal.
Pifer named WCU Director of Athletics
Western Carolina University Chancellor Kelli R. Brown announced on May 19 the selection of Kyle Pifer to serve as the director of athletics following approval of his contract by the university’s Board of Trustees during a special called meeting.
WCU to hold groundbreaking ceremony for stadium renovations project
Western Carolina University will hold a groundbreaking ceremony at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 12, to kick off the first phase of a series of planned upgrades for E.J. Whitmire Stadium and other aging facilities used by Catamount student-athletes.
Blue Ridge School hosts soccer camp
Jackson County’s Blue Ridge School is offering a soccer camp at its field.
The camp will run from 8 a.m. to noon from May 28-30. Ages 6-12. Cost is $60 per day, and registration is open through May 26.
Jackson County Rec ’Archery 101’ course
Kids ages 10-14 in Jackson County will have the chance to learn the ins and out of archery.
The course will be held from 5-8 p.m. May 30 at the Cashiers/Glenville Recreation Center.
