North Carolina Amateur Sports announced that the Cycle North Carolina Mountain Ride is headed to Jackson County Aug. 1-3, 2025.  Registration for the 2025 Mountain Ride is now open at ncsports.org. 

Jam-rock ensemble Prophets of Time will hit the stage at 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20, at Lazy Hiker Brewing in Sylva. 

Americana/folk singer-songwriter Woolybooger will perform at 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13, at Lazy Hiker Brewing in Sylva and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at Lazy Hiker Brewing in Franklin. 

Youth soccer is coming to Jackson County next month.

Registration for spring soccer begins Jan. 1 and runs through Jan. 31. Registration fee is $65. Anyone born between 2011 and 2020 is eligible to participate. 

As a young boy, maybe 10 or 11 years old, Thom Brooks set foot onto Southwestern Community College’s campus in Sylva for the first time. 

His mother, Rhonda Brooks, worked full-time and had enrolled in some evening classes to better her life. Not only did young Thom have a front-row seat to his mother’s life-changing journey, he also got to participate in a class activity. 

The Jackson County Commission, with two new commissioners seated this month, chose to appoint two new members to the public library board, despite requests from two incumbent board members for reappointment and comments in support of them from the public. 

As the temperature drops in Western North Carolina, the fun only heats up. The holiday season here is filled with events and activities aimed to celebrate the best way we know how — with friends, family and visitors alike. 

Friends of Panthertown invites Panthertown volunteers, board members, partners, hike leaders, conservationists and friends to join us for an afternoon of appreciation and celebration. This event is happening from 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, in downtown Sylva at 116 Central Street.

With the General Election over and two new members set to join the Jackson County Commission in December, the board is going to consider an increase to commissioner pay during its last meeting with the current board makeup. 

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, Jackson County Economic Development has put together a grant opportunity for businesses impacted by the storm.