Western N.C. Agricultural Crop Loss Program Extends Reach

RALEIGH – Farmers impacted by flooding and excessive rain from Tropical Storm Fred and an April 2021 freeze and frost can still apply for the Western N.C. Agricultural Crop Loss Program. A total of $10 million is available for an additional 11 counties, including Cherokee, Clay, Jackson and Macon. This effort expands the reach of … Read more

Traffic stop results in drug trafficking charges for two Jackson County residents

Two Jackson County residents face drug trafficking charges after they were allegedly found with drugs in their car. James Adam Brooks, 39, and Kaylee Ann Hedden, 21, both of Sylva were arrested near the intersection of East Main Street and Asheville Highway following a traffic stop by Sylva police. Officers allegedly located eight grams of … Read more

COVID cases are climbing

COVID cases are climbing close to the Delta wave of summer 2021. AdventHealth officials said there is “probably more COVID in the community right now than we’ve ever had.” The statement comes as students prepare to head back to the classroom which could result in more community spread, marking the third academic year impacted by … Read more

Plans to build new Franklin high school moving forward

With the support of the board of education, the Macon County Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to move forward with plans to build a new high school facility on the current campus of Franklin High. The vote gives County Manager Derek Roland the authority to enter into contract negotiations for schematic designs for the new … Read more

UPDATE- New details released about deaths at Nantahala National Forest

New details are being released about two separate fatal incidents at North Carolina’s Nantahala National Forest last week. Emergency crews responded to distress calls on July 23 regarding two men in trouble, one of whom we have now learned was a firefighter with the Macon County-based Clarks-Chapel Fire and Rescue Department. On Facebook, the department … Read more

Overnight fire in Canton under investigation

CANTON, N.C. (WLOS) – An overnight fire that kept crews busy for hours early Monday is under investigation. The North Canton Fire Department said that crews responded to Beaverdam Street near Thompson Street Monday, Aug. 1, just before 4 a.m. and found a barn fully engulfed in flames. The barn is a total loss. The … Read more

Overnight fire in Canton under investigation

CANTON, N.C. (WLOS) – An overnight fire that kept crews busy for hours early Monday is under investigation. The North Canton Fire Department said that crews responded to Beaverdam Street near Thompson Street Monday, Aug. 1, just before 4 a.m. and found a barn fully engulfed in flames. The barn is a total loss. The … Read more

Hands on Jackson is looking for volunteers

Hands on Jackson is looking for volunteers to help folks who need a hand. The organizers and volunteers traditionally take on about 35 projects, from cleaning gutters to building wheelchair ramps and is asking the community for support to ensure the fourth event meets the needs of as many residents as possible. Volunteer teams, sponsorships … Read more