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๐๐ฆ๐๐ซ๐ ๐๐ง๐๐ฒ ๐๐ก๐๐ฅ๐ญ๐๐ซ ๐๐จ๐ฅ๐๐ฌ ๐๐ฉ๐๐ง ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐๐๐ค๐ฌ๐จ๐ง ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ง๐ญ๐ฒ
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.ย 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 featuresโฆbut 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 Peaceโs 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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โBattle of the Badgesโ 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 โBattle of the Badgesโ 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 Sheriffโs 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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Traffic Stop Leads To Drug Charges
Jackson County deputies say a routine traffic stop led to a significant drug bust along U.S. 441 near Ridge Point. According to the Jackson County Sheriffโs Office, the stop happened May 6th, when Senior K-9 Deputy Ares alerted deputies to the possible presence of narcotics inside the vehicle. Deputies then obtained a probable cause warrant to search the vehicle. That search reportedly turned up about 49 grams of suspected methamphetamine, seven grams of suspected THC marijuana wax, drug paraphernalia, a Mossberg Maverick shotgun and just over 600 dollars in cash. Two men, Nicholas Ray Reneau and James Parker Bryson, were arrested and charged with multiple felonies, including trafficking methamphetamine by possession and transportation, possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver methamphetamine, maintaining a vehicle for a controlled substance, possession of synthetic cannabinoids and conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine. Both were also charged with misdemeanor drug and weapon offenses. Authorities said one of the individuals arrested is currently on federal parole. Both suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
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Harris Regional Hospital Earns Second consecutive Leapfrog โAโ
Harris Regional Hospital has received an โAโ Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, an independent national organization focused on patient safety. The spring 2026 grade marks the hospitalโs second consecutive โA,โ following an โAโ grade in fall 2025. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade assigns letter grades to hospitals across the country based on evidence-based measures of patient safety, including how well hospitals protect patients from preventable errors, accidents, injuries, and infections. Grades are updated twice annually in the fall and spring. Earning consecutive โAโ grades reflects sustained performance across multiple reporting periods and continued focus on the systems, practices and teamwork that support safe patient care. โAt Harris Regional Hospital, patient safety is not a single initiative or a one-time effort. It is part of the work our teams carry forward every day,โ said Ashley Hindman, CEO of Harris Regional Hospital. โEarning a second consecutive โAโ from The Leapfrog Group is a meaningful reflection of that consistency and commitment. I am incredibly proud of our physicians, nurses, staff, board members and volunteers for the role they play in creating a safe, high-quality environment for our patients and families.โ The recognition also comes as North Carolina continues to perform strongly…
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Hurricane Prepardness Week May 3rd-9th 2026
With the 2026 hurricane season quickly approaching, June 1 through November 30, Jackson County Emergency Management officials encourage residents to take action during Hurricane Preparedness Week (May 3โ9) by reviewing and updating their emergency plans and supply kits. โWith hurricane season right around the corner, May is the perfect time to get ready for tropical storms and severe weather,โ said Zeb Holland, Emergency Management Director, Jackson County. โBeing prepared, by creating an emergency plan and assembling a supply kit, may make the difference between being a storm victim or a storm survivor.โ What You Can Do Now 1. Make a Plan – Write down your familyโs emergency plan. Include evacuation routes, emergency contacts, and meeting locations. Be sure every family member knows the plan and how to access it. 2. Build or Update Your Emergency Supply Kit. Stock your kit with enough non-perishable food and water to sustain each person in your household for at least one week. Other essential items include: ยท First-aid kit ยท Battery-powered or hand-crank weather radio with extra batteries ยท Prescription medications ยท Sleeping bags or blankets ยท Extra clothing ยท Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, deodorant) ยท At least $200 in cash ยท…
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