Local high schools prepare for graduation programs - As the school year comes to an end, local seniors are preparing for a major transition: high school graduation. Smoky Mountain High School, the Jackson County School of Alternatives (the Hub) and Blue Ridge School are presenting a total of 224 students for graduation. SMHS and Blue Ridge graduation ceremonies will be held tonight (Thursday, June 12)....

County officials discuss ways to trim expenses from budget - How employees use county resources was the main topic of discussion during county commissioners’ budget work session last Tuesday (June 3). Commissioner Tom Massie brought the issue up, saying he wanted to know how department heads keep up with how county employees use fleet vehicles and cell phones issued for work purposes. County Manager Ken Westmoreland last week told The Herald that officials limit who can...

Shuler visits Harris Regional - U.S. Rep. Heath Shuler, right, visited Harris Regional Hospital on Monday to read a statement he submitted to the Congressional Record regarding WestCare Health System’s response to recent events at Haywood Regional Medical Center. Congressman Shuler addressed employees in the HRH courtyard, noting the readiness of staff to respond to the health care needs of the region. He compared employees’ willingness to help out to the neighborly...

Palmer opens course - Golfing legend Arnold Palmer, right, was given a portrait of himself Saturday at the grand opening of Balsam Mountain Preserve’s Palmer-designed 18-hole golf course. Making the presentation are Bob Kays, center, publisher of Builder/Architect Magazine, who commissioned the portrait, and artist Char Avrunin, left, of Waynesville. The par 70 course ranges in length from 6,750 yards (championship) to 5,070 yards (forward). “The unique combination of mountainous terrain...

Sylva leaders pass budget, approve Pinnacle Park policy - Sylva leaders unanimously passed a $2.5 million budget ordinance for the 2008-09 fiscal year. This action came at the board’s June 5 meeting. Although board members had previously noted areas they would like to see changes in, such as the amounts set aside for community contributions and hazard abatements, no changes were made from the proposed budget...

Annual Dillsboro arts, music festival on tap for Saturday - One of Jackson County’s longest-running festivals is on tap for this Saturday. The 24th annual Dillsboro Arts and Music Festival is set for June 14 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The free festival, which is sponsored by the Dillsboro Merchants Association, combines arts and crafts exhibitors with live music in historic downtown Dillsboro. The daylong event is considered by many to be the kickoff for Dillsboro’s summer tourist season. Artists and crafters...

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