Jackson County NC Government

06/03/2026

𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐦 𝐉𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲 “𝐏𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲”

The Jackson County Board of Commissioners presented a proclamation to Sheila Setzer, Director, Jackson County Veteran Services, Sylva, NC , declaring Jackson County as “Purple Heart County” during Tuesday’s night's Board of Commissioner's meeting.

Chairman Mark Letson read the proclamation, noting “Purple Heart is the oldest decoration in present use…and was the first American service award or decoration made available to the common Solider and is specifically awarded to any member of the United States Armed Services wounded or killed in combat with a declared enemy of the United States.”

He further read – “Jackson County residents have been engaged in most, if not all, of the wars against a declared enemy fought by the United States; and WHEREAS, Jackson County has numerous residents who have been awarded the Purple Heart Medal for wounds received in combat; and WHEREAS, Jackson County recognizes the commitment and increasing sacrifices required of military families; and WHEREAS, Jackson County pledges its ongoing commitment to and support for the men and women who so honorably serve our nation.”

In the photo: (l-r) County Commissioner Michael Jennings, District 4; County Commissioner John Smith, District 2; Sheila Setzer, Jackson County Veteran Services, Sylva, NC ; Chairman Mark Letson; Vice-Chairman Todd Bryson, District 1; and County Commissioner Jenny Lynn Hooper, District 3.

06/02/2026

***Join our Jackson County Board of Commissioners meeting tonight, Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at the Justice and Administration Building, Room A-201. ***

**For the agenda for tonight's meeting, please visit:

https://www.jacksonnc.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06022026-170?html=true

06/01/2026

𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 "𝐈 𝐕𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐝" 𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐫!

Director Amanda Allen with the Jackson County NC Board of Elections has an exciting opportunity for local K-8 students during this 250th celebration of our nation's independence! Her office is soliciting for design submissions for "I Voted" stickers which will be available at Jackson County precincts during the 2026 general election!

** Open to Jackson County youth finishing grades K-8
** Due by 5 p.m. June 30 - in person or online submissions
** Prizes for Top Three

Applicants just need to submit a circular design appropriate for a 2-inch sticker and they could win a certificate, local business prize pack and be able to see their artwork at voting sites countywide!

Detailed contest information at http://jcncelections.org

As an example - here is the 2024 winning design by young Wesley.

06/01/2026

Hey, got summer plans? Can you take a short amount of time and give blood?

Jackson County Department of Social Services is partnering with the American Red Cross and hosting a Blood Drive on Friday, June 12, from noon - 4 p.m.

The Red Cross says summer is a tough time for the blood supply due to school drives being on pause and summer travel preventing people from donating. But the need for the blood supply doesn't slow down.

Check out the flyer how to sign up. Or simply go to https://www.redcrossblood.org and look up zip code 28779 or enter sponsor code "Sylva".

You all do an awesome job in donating blood throughout the year. Thank you for that!!

05/29/2026

𝗔𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮 𝟮𝟱𝟬! 𝘓𝘪𝘧𝘦, 𝘓𝘪𝘣𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘺, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘶𝘪𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘏𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴...

What does the Declaration of Independence actually say? Check out these students from Heritage Christian Academy who earlier this spring recited the introduction (preamble) to our founding document.

If your youth group or organization would like to be videotaped reciting "The Pledge of Allegiance," singing a patriotic song, or making a patriotic presentation or reading, we'd be happy to do so.

05/29/2026

🎉 THANK YOU, JACKSON COUNTY! 🎉

We are excited to share that the Jackson County, NC Government page has reached **3,000 followers!**

This milestone is more than just a number—it represents a community that stays informed, engaged, and connected. We are grateful for every resident, business owner, visitor, and community partner who follows our page to stay up to date on county news, public services, events, emergency information, and important announcements.

Your support helps us better serve Jackson County and strengthen communication throughout our community. We look forward to continuing to provide timely information and sharing the stories, projects, and people that make Jackson County such a special place to live, work, and visit.

Thank you for being part of our online community and for helping us reach this exciting milestone!

❤️ 3,000 Followers Strong and Growing!

05/29/2026

America 250! Just five more weeks until the big celebration!

Have you made your plans yet to spend July 4th in Sylva?
It's going to be the perfect evening to celebrate America's 250th birthday!

05/27/2026

Jackson County Sheriff's Office NC wants to let you know about real estate and rental scams....

Real estate and rental scams. Real estate rental scams occur when fraudsters pose as landlords or property managers, using fake or hijacked listings to steal your deposit, first month's rent, or identity. Scammers frequently demand upfront digital payments and disappear, leaving victims with no keys and no money.

How do these Scams Work.

Hijacked Listings: Scammers copy photos and descriptions of actual properties listed for sale or rent, then repost them at a lower price on sites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or even legitimate real estate platforms.

The "Out of Town" Excuse: The fake landlord claims they are out of the country, traveling, or unable to meet in person to show the property, rushing you to make quick decision.

Fake Paperwork: Fraudsters may create fake leases, applications, or "escrow" documents to appear legitimate.

Prices That Are Too Good:

The rent is noticeably lower than comparable properties in the neighborhood.

No In-Person Tour: The "landlord" makes excuses as to why you cannot see the inside of the property.

Unusual Payment Demands: They request payment via wire transfer, cash app (Venmo/Zelle), cryptocurrency, or gift cards. No Background Check: The "landlord" is suspiciously eager to rent to you without checking your credit or references.

How to Protect Yourself

Verify Ownership: Cross-reference the address and the name of the owner/property management company on public county records.

Never Pay Upfront: Avoid paying a security deposit or first month's rent before touring the property in person and signing a lease. Meet Locally:

Conduct transactions using traceable, secure methods like ACH bank transfers, credit/debit cards, or official checks. Report Suspicious Ads:

If you find a fake listing on a portal, report it to the platform. If you've been a victim, contact your bank and file a police report or reach out to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).

05/27/2026

Thank you to our first responders and emergency crews for working around the clock to keep us safe!

Weather impacts continue across Jackson County this morning

Emergency services agencies from across the county have been working throughout the night and into this morning responding to numerous weather-related incidents. Crews have encountered trees down across roadways, downed power lines, and natural debris creating hazardous travel conditions in multiple areas.

We encourage everyone to use extreme caution while traveling today, especially on smaller secondary roads with blind curves, limited shoulders, and areas where debris may not be visible until the last moment. Never drive across downed power lines or attempt to move large debris from the roadway yourself.

The photo below, provided by Sylva Fire Department, shows a tree completely blocking Mockingbird Ln early this morning. We appreciate the continued hard work of all emergency responders, utility personnel, and partner agencies working to keep Jackson County safe.

If you encounter hazardous roadway conditions, please report them through the non-emergency number 828-586-1911 or call 911 if there is an immediate threat to life or safety.

05/26/2026

𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐎𝐛𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐲𝐥𝐯𝐚 - 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘞𝘢𝘵𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘗𝘢𝘳𝘬 - PHOTOS

American Legion Post 104 in Sylva hosted their annual Memorial Day Observance Monday at noon at Mark Watson Park to pay tribute to fallen military veterans.

Smoky Mountain High School Army JROTC posted colors, and Kim Shuler sang the National Anthem. Opening prayer was conducted by Post 104 Chaplain Kenny Cagle, and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Post 104 Commander Bill Loucks.

Sylva Mayor Johnny Phillips and Jackson County Chair Mark Letson gave some opening remarks. Asia Anderson, Unit 104 Junior Auxiliary, read the poem, "In Flanders Fields."

The guest speaker was retired Army Master Sgt. Jim McGill. A special wreath presentation was made to a surprised guest - Bud Clayton, Vietnam veteran - who has contributed much over the years, and the names of fallen veterans were read by American Legion Post 104 leadership; TAPS was then played. The names of those fallen service members were then burned to honor their sacrifice and ensure their stories are never forgotten.

American Legion Riders Post 104 stood with American flags during the ceremony, and a Missing Man Table was displayed to honor fallen, missing, or imprisoned service members.

Closing prayer was conducted by Post 104 Chaplain Skip Staton, and the SMHS JROTC Color Guard retired the colors.

(Photos by Bill Davis, public information officer, Jackson County & Dr. Dana Ayers, Superintendent, Jackson County Public Schools, NC)





American Legion