Jackson County NC Government

10/16/2026

𝐒𝐦𝐨𝐤𝐲 𝐌𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐱 𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐒 - Video & Photos

Dr. Dana Ayers, Superintendent, Jackson County Public Schools, NC, joined county leadership, including Kevin King, County Manager, Jackson County NC Government; school officials; construction team; and former and current SMHS track and field coaches and athletes.

Attendees then took the first official walk/run lap around the track.

Interviews with:

* Dr. Dana Ayers, Superintendent, Jackson County Public Schools, NC
* Pam Shuler, Middle School Athletic Director,
and former Smoky Mountain High School Track & Field and Cross-Country Coach
* Addison Menickelli, 9th Grader, Smoky Mountain High School Athlete (middle)
* Joey Robinson, Principal, Smoky Mountain High School
* Marlee Parker, 9th Grader, Smoky Mountain High School Athlete (on right - twin sister of Maven)
* Maven Parker, 9th Grader, Smoky Mountain High School Athlete (on left)
* Abigail Clayton, Vice Chair, Jackson County Board of Education

YouTube link to video: https://youtu.be/30CXsxF0s40

Video and photos by Bill Davis, PIO, Jackson County Government

10/13/2026

𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 - 𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐕𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲! - Video

Amanda Allen, Elections Director for Jackson County NC Board of Elections, shares important information about the election, including Early Voting, which starts Thursday, Oct. 15, and runs through Oct. 31.

There are five Early Voting sites – Qualla Community Building, Cullowhee Rec Center, Cashiers Rec Center, Board of Elections, and the newest site, WCU Health & Human Services.

You will need an ID to vote. Call (828) 586-7538 or visit the Jackson County Board of Elections office on Skyland Drive for further assistance.

10/13/2026

𝐋𝐢𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐅𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝙊𝙋𝙀𝙉 𝙃𝙊𝙐𝙎𝙀 - This Saturday from 12 - 2 p.m. (video)

Library Director Grace Powell, Jackson County Public Library, highlights the activities scheduled for this weekend's Open House at the Sylva library from noon - 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17.

She is also thankful for library partners - Sylva Friends of the Library, Jackson County Genealogical Society, Historical Society, and Jackson County Arts Council - who will have tables set up to share information about their organizations.

Stop by Saturday and see the wonderful library and visit with the dedicated staff.

10/13/2026

U.S. Navy - Happy 251 years of service to our nation!

10/10/2026

Update on effects of Hurricane Isaias by our outstanding team at Jackson County, NC Emergency Management.

Few take-aways from Director Zeb Holland:

* Emergency services out and about to monitor the county
* Rain increasing Saturday afternoon
* We remain under a flood watch and high wind warning above 3,500 feet
* Encourage residents to stay home today
* If you must travel, never drive through flooded roads and stay away from downed power lines
* Call 911 only in an emergency
* Report power outages to your electrical company
* For road conditions, go to DriveNC.gov or call 511

10/10/2026

Tonight’s Webster Park movie night has been canceled… due to high winds from Hurricane Isaias!

10/10/2026

Update on Hurricane Isaias from Jackson County, NC Emergency Management.

Heavy rainfall, strong winds, flash flooding, downed trees, and power outages are primary concerns. Conditions expected Saturday into Sunday. Southern part of the county could receive increased rainfall.

🚨 HURRICANE ISAIAS – UPDATED WEATHER BRIEFING 🚨

Friday, October 9, 2026

The Jackson County Office of Emergency Management continues to monitor Hurricane Isaias and coordinate with the National Weather Service, North Carolina Emergency Management, and our local and state partners.

Based on the latest forecast, predicted impacts to Jackson County have increased, particularly in southern Jackson County. Heavy rainfall, strong winds, flash flooding, downed trees, and power outages are our primary concerns.

🌧️ EXPECTED RAINFALL

* Southern Jackson County: Areas including Cashiers and Canada, particularly along the Blue Ridge Escarpment, could receive 4–8 inches of rainfall.
* Northern Jackson County: Rainfall totals are expected to range from 1–3 inches.

The greatest concern for flash flooding will be in southern Jackson County, where heavy rainfall could cause streams and creeks to rise rapidly and create hazardous roadway conditions.

💨 EXPECTED WINDS

Sustained winds of 15–25 mph are expected across Jackson County, with peak gusts potentially reaching 60 mph, particularly at higher elevations.

The National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Warning for elevations above 3,500 feet, along with a Wind Advisory for other affected areas.

One of our greatest concerns is that the strongest winds are expected to occur around the same time as the heaviest rainfall. Saturated ground combined with strong winds could increase the likelihood of falling trees, downed power lines, and blocked roadways.

🕒 EXPECTED TIMELINE – SATURDAY INTO SUNDAY

* Saturday Morning: Rainfall is expected to begin moving into Jackson County.
* Saturday, 2 PM – 8 PM: Steady rainfall is expected, with conditions gradually deteriorating.
* Saturday, 8 PM – Sunday, 2 AM: The heaviest rainfall and strongest winds are expected during this period.
* Sunday Morning: Conditions should gradually improve, although lingering flooding and other storm-related impacts may remain.

🚒 EMERGENCY RESPONSE PREPARATIONS

Jackson County Emergency Management has been working closely with our local fire departments, law enforcement agencies, EMS providers, Jackson County 911 Communications, and state partners to prepare for potential impacts.

North Carolina Emergency Management has placed additional swiftwater rescue resources in a readiness posture, and other state agencies are preparing to assist communities if needed.

Our office will continue monitoring the storm and coordinating resources throughout the event. Emergency Management personnel will remain available to support our emergency response agencies as conditions develop.

⚠️ WE ENCOURAGE ALL RESIDENTS TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS:

* Secure outdoor furniture, decorations, and other loose items.
* Prepare for possible power outages and have flashlights, batteries, and necessary supplies available.
* Avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rainfall and strong winds, especially Saturday night.
* Never drive through flooded roadways. Turn Around, Don’t Drown!
* Stay away from downed trees and power lines.
* Residents in flood-prone areas, particularly in southern Jackson County, should remain alert to rapidly changing conditions.
* Make sure you have multiple ways to receive emergency weather alerts.

While southern Jackson County is expected to experience the greatest impacts, residents throughout Jackson County should remain weather-aware and prepared.

The Jackson County Office of Emergency Management will continue providing updates as additional information becomes available. We encourage everyone to follow official weather information from the National Weather Service and monitor our page for updates.

Please stay safe, Jackson County!

10/09/2026

"I want to be heard!"

Well, here's your chance. Election time is upon us, and Jackson County NC Board of Elections has all info to let your voice be heard...at the ballot box!

Check this out.

We're less than a week out from in-person voting! Early Voting sites open at 8 am Thurs. Oct. 15. Vote & get your Jackson Co. 2026 Youth "I Voted" sticker!

Important things to remember about Early Voting:

🇺🇸 FIVE local precincts: WCU's Health & Human Sciences Bldg (2nd floor multipurpose room), Qualla Community Building, Cullowhee Rec Center, Cashiers Rec Center & the Board of Elections. YOU CHOOSE where you'd like to vote!

🇺🇸 Same-day registration is available. If you are registering, you need to show proof of residency & attest to eligibility. Check your registration at https://vt.ncsbe.gov/RegLkup/ TODAY.

🇺🇸 All voters will be asked to show voter photo ID. Registered voters can have a FREE ID made at the BOE through 10/31.

🇺🇸 Find more info, including sample ballots, at https://jcncelections.org/

10/09/2026

The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall is on display in Cherokee now until Oct. 12. Remembering those who served in Vietnam to keep us free.

The VIETNAM TRAVELING MEMORIAL WALL will be in CHEROKEE at the Wolftown Gym Oct. 7-12, 2026. The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall is a 3/5 scale of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, DC and serves as a reminder of the great sacrifices made by all Vietnam Veterans.

10/09/2026

Thank you, Jackson County Chamber and Visitor Center, Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, and the Jackson County community, for supporting Jackson County Sheriff's Office NC "Hometown Heroes for Hope!"

In September, in honor of Jackson County’s 175th birthday, the Chamber sold train tickets for a historic train ride from Dillsboro to Whittier. There was a huge response from the community and for that, we are saying a big THANK YOU to everyone who bought a ticket.
100% of proceeds from the ticket sales went to Hometown Heroes for Hope. Yesterday, we were able to officially present the money to the Jackson County Sheriff's Office NC.
Over $3,000 will be going towards Hometown Heroes for Hope this year, an organization that helps make the holidays brighter for local children in need.
Thank you to the community and our partners at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad for helping make this happen!