The Sylva Herald: Update on opioid settlement dispersal

Story re-published with permission from The Sylva Herald by Beth Lawrence Residents were given a look at efforts to utilize Jackson County’s portion of opioid settlements between states and opioid manufacturers and distributors. At the County Commissioners’ March 4 work session, two members of the recently formed Local Settlement Council – Jackson County Department of […]

Kitchens Branch Fire in Sylva

The fire that started yesterday afternoon in Sylva in the Montieith and Kitchens Branch community is still going but contained. Jackson County Emergency Management Facebook update says that as of of 10 a.m., the Kitchens Branch Fire is 94 acres and the fire is 60% contained. Firefighters from state, federal, county and the town are […]

Forest Hills donut hole development to be adjusted

Story originally published in The Sylva Herald, March 27 edition. The planning board of the Village of Forest Hills met Tuesday, March 25, to discuss zoning ordinances, land use codes and development processes concerning the construction proposal presented by Brown Haven Homes to build new homes in the donut hole, a former golf course essentially […]

WCU students and faculty help Cypress Missions become a “beacon of hope” for WNC

Spring break is usually the time students and faculty take the opportunity to go on trips with their friends or family. Some take the opportunity to have some time off and just relax in their hometown. Eight WCU students saw it as an opportunity to work and help those in need in the Western North […]

Homeless shelter a hot topic in Jackson County

Story originally published in The Sylva Herald, March 13 edition It’s no secret that HERE in Jackson County, the nonprofit charged with supporting the local homeless population, wants a brick-and-mortar shelter.  HERE has asked for $500,000 from Jackson County commissioners in January and is raising funds wherever else they can.  A potential location at the […]

Bright future for Smoky Mountain High School Baseball

The Smoky Mountain High School baseball team played their first game under the new stadium lights that had just been installed. “This county’s been looking for these(stadium lights) for years. And these seniors, I promise them they’d play under the lights… And I’m so excited for these seniors and the entire community,” Head coach Wes […]