The USDA Forest Service announced that several trails and recreation sites damaged by Hurricane Helene have reopened across the Appalachian Ranger District on the Pisgah National Forest. With the support of partners and volunteers, the Forest Service has successfully cleared 227 miles of trails on the Appalachian Ranger District since the storm struck last year, accounting for 70 percent of the district’s trails.

Sliding Rock, one of the most popular destinations in Pisgah National Forest, will open for the summer season beginning Memorial Day weekend, operating daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Labor Day. During that time, visitors can expect lifeguards on duty, restrooms open and staff on site to help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all. 

People can get their Lake Junaluska Summer Activity Passes now. Enjoy admission to the lakeside pool all summer long as well as discounts on recreation, shopping and dining at Lake Junaluska. Passes are valid from May 24 through Sept. 1, 2025, and are now available online at bit.ly/LJSummerPasses. 

FIND Outdoors, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting outdoor education, recreation and conservation, announced a variety of seasonal and full-time job opportunities for the 2025 season. 

The new Jackson County Aquatics Center is hiring five full-time lifeguards. Employees are entitled to full benefits other Jackson County employees receive.

The pickleball courts renovations at Lake Junaluska are complete.

This project, which highlights the growing popularity of pickleball in the area, will also include upgrades to the adjacent public bathrooms. 

To the Editor:

After the proliferation of so-called THCa weed  —  weed harvested according to Trump’s farm bill to have less than 0.3% delta 9 THC at time of harvest, which experienced smokers will know is weed harvested early and therefore not fit to smoke —  finding herb in Western North Carolina has been more than a challenge. 

Tourism remains a critically important component of Western North Carolina’s economy. To ensure it remains strong well into the future, the Haywood County Tourism Development Authority is fine-tuning a forthcoming destination master plan that focuses on underutilized assets and what visitors seem to really want — authenticity. 

When it comes to staying the course, First United Methodist Church (FUMC), Franklin has a long history of supporting those in need in Macon County (and beyond) through its mission projects and fundraisers.  

For years, the old Francis Farm landfill was just that — a leaky, gassy problem that did little but sap resources from the county charged with maintaining it in perpetuity.