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Jackson Leaders Concidering School Bond Referendum
Jackson County commissioners are considering placing a 105-million-dollar school bond referendum before voters this fall. Commissioners voted Tuesday night to hold a public hearing on the proposal August 4th at 6:25 p.m. at the Jackson County Administration and Justice Center on Grindstaff Cove Road in Sylva. If commissioners approve placing the measure on the ballot, voters would decide the issue November 3rd. The bonds would be repaid over 20 years and used for school construction, renovations, equipment, land purchases and related infrastructure. Proposed projects include completing athletic fields originally planned for Smoky Mountain Middle School, improvements to the gym, kitchen and cafeteria at Blue Ridge School, accessibility and other upgrades at the Smoky Mountain High School football field, and work on the school system’s bus garage. County estimates show the bonds would require an annual property tax increase of about 48 dollars and 60 cents for each 100-thousand dollars of assessed property value. That would equal approximately 145 dollars and 80 cents per year for property valued at 300-thousand dollars. Jackson County Public Schools Superintendent Dana Ayers said she supports allowing voters to decide the proposal and is encouraging residents to attend the August 4th hearing. The referendum has not…
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Jackson County Firefighters Train to Respond to a Large Structure Fire and Rescue
Savannah Volunteer Fire Department led a training exercise at Lighthouse Baptist Church on Highway 441 on July 18 to be better prepared for a scenario where they needed to get water quickly to a large building in the county and conduct search and rescue operations. “In Savannah’s fire district, we do not have a hydrant,” said Lt. Chris Bowers, training officer, Savannah Volunteer Fire Department. “Everything is either hauled to the scene on a fire truck and then refilled outside of the district and shuttled back to the to the fire or supplied with multiple tankers coming in from other departments.” Joining in the training were firefighters from Sylva, Cullowhee, Balsam and Qualla, as well as Jackson County Emergency Management and members of the Women’s Auxiliary to support the firefighters. “We set up Sylva’s ladder truck in the parking lot to simulate a high flow scenario. like an actual structure fire in a large commercial building,” said Bowers. “And then we transported water from a hydrant in Dillsboro to this location with multiple tankers from multiple fire departments.” The firefighters also conducted search and rescue training inside the church. They often get chances to search houses, but larger buildings enhance…
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Longtime Dream of Whittier Heritage Grounds Becomes Reality in Jackson County
County officials, community partners, and members of the Elders family gathered to celebrate the grand opening of the Whittier Heritage Grounds, a new 28‑acre multi‑use community and event space located at 271 Clearwood Drive in Whittier. The event center is dedicated to the late Charles R. Elders, honoring his decades of support, leadership, and investment in Jackson County. A ribbon‑cutting ceremony was held on July 21, 2026, at 4 p.m., marking a major milestone for Jackson County and the Whittier community. The opening highlights the county’s continued commitment to expanding local event capacity, supporting agricultural and entrepreneurial growth, and creating new recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. The Whittier Heritage Grounds is designed to host a wide range of activities, including agricultural shows, food and entrepreneurship events, community festivals, and recreational gatherings. The space represents a long‑held vision for Whittier now brought to life through collaboration, investment, and community pride. Joining the Elders family at the ceremony were Jackson County Board of Commissioners, Jackson County Chamber and Visitor Center Ambassadors, Jackson County Economic Development, Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, and other community leaders and businesses. The address of the new facility is Whittier Heritage Grounds 271 Clearwood Drive Whittier, NC.
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Emergency Shelter Holds Open House in Jackson County
The new Emergency Shelter for domestic violence victims and survivors here in Jackson County will soon open its doors for operation for individuals and families needing a place to stay during an emergency. The Center for Domestic Peace, Inc. held an Open House Monday for Jackson County commissioners, leaders, and community advocates. A few days earlier, Dr. Thom Brooks, Executive Director, Center for Domestic Peace, met with Jenny Lynn Hooper, Jackson County Commissioner, District 3, to tour the facility. A few finishing touches are being done, including some furnishings, mattresses, and safety features…but the finish line is in sight. The project has been in the works for years and will address the real need in Jackson County to help those in domestic violence situations, sexual assault, and human trafficking. Previously, these folks had to be housed in emergency shelter in neighboring counties or hotels. Now, the new emergency shelter can house more than two dozen people and give them a place to stay right here in Jackson County. The Center for Domestic Peace’s Board Members is grateful to Jackson County Local Government and Dogwood Health Trust for their considerable monetary contributions to the building process. They also thank Mountain Projects for…
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“Battle of the Badges” Blood Drive This Week
Local first responders and community agencies across Jackson County are teaming up with the American Red Cross this week for the “Battle of the Badges” community blood drive competition, an event designed to encourage lifesaving blood donations while bringing the community together in friendly competition. Participating groups include the Sylva Police Department, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Harris EMS, Jackson County Emergency Management, Sylva Fire Department, and other local agencies serving the community. Donors will have the opportunity to cast a vote for the participating badge of their choice, with the winning organization earning local bragging rights for the year. The blood drive will take place on Thursday, May 21, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM in the Burrell Building at Southwestern Community College. Eligible donors with blood types O, A-, and B- are encouraged to consider making a Power Red donation, which can help maximize the impact of their contribution. Donors who complete a Power Red donation will also receive a second vote for their chosen badge. Additional information about Power Red donations is available at redcrossblood.org/powered. Free food will be available for participants throughout the event. As a thank-you, all successful donors will receive a limited-edition American Red Cross…
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Crash Involving Jackson County Schools Bus
Several people were injured Tuesday afternoon in a multi-vehicle crash involving a school bus in Jackson County. According to Jackson County Emergency Management, no one on the school bus was hurt. Officials said the reported injuries were in another vehicle involved in the crash. Those occupants were treated at the scene before being transported to the hospital. The crash happened along Skyland Drive near Fisher Creek Road. That stretch of roadway was shut down for several hours while emergency crews responded and the scene was cleared.
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Temporary Lane Closures Along The Spur
Temporary lane closures are scheduled along the Spur in Great Smoky Mountains National Park beginning Monday, May 11. Park officials say crews will be conducting essential maintenance, including mowing and pruning, ditch and culvert cleaning, litter pickup, and removal of tree and rock debris. Northbound lanes will be affected from May 11 through May 14. Southbound lane closures are planned from May 18 through May 21. The closures will be in place each day from 7 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., and visitors traveling through the area may experience delays. Motorists are encouraged to check nps.gov for the latest information on road closures and construction before heading into the park.
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