Forum to discuss effects of second-home development - A panel discussion aimed at answering community questions about a planned development on Cullowhee Mountain will take place next week. The session will begin at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9, at Tuckasegee Baptist Church, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. and the meeting expected to last until 8 p.m. Originally slated for Aug. 12, the meeting was delayed until a suitable location in the Cullowhee area could be found. Sponsored by....

Chief vetoes Harrah’s alcohol referendum - The question of alcohol sales at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino may not be going before voters now that Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians Principal Chief Michell Hicks has vetoed the measure. In a letter sent to Tribal Council Chairman Mike Parker late last week, Hicks said he’s vetoing the measure as a way to uphold the tribe’s traditional stance against alcohol. “It is my belief that an affirmative decision to open the door for alcohol would shame our....

Sylva leaders table RPUD, roof - Sylva leaders spent their Aug. 21 meeting revisiting several issues and resolved one of them. After an Aug. 7 public hearing regarding an application for a Residential Planned Unit Development by Taurus Development Corp. that generated discussion, Planning Director Jim Aust told board members that Taurus owner Herb Ross wishes to table his RPUD application for 30 days while Ross’ lawyer talks with property owners. Taurus approached the town planning board....

Consultant’s study offers ideas for future of Dillsboro - A consultant’s study released last week offers Dillsboro merchants ideas on how to draw visitors in the wake of Great Smoky Mountain Railroad’s departure. The report was completed by Chris Cavanaugh of Magellan Strategy Group. Cavanaugh led the Aug. 12 “Envisioning Dillsboro” session in which town residents and merchants were invited to brainstorm ideas for new attractions and expand on things already happening in the...

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Pavilion roof - A green metal roof is in place at Bridge Park’s pavilion, and Sylva town board member Sarah Graham, who spearheaded park fund-raising efforts, said that it’s great to see it so close to completion. A celebration for the new pavilion is planned Sunday, Oct. 19, as part of the third annual Bridge Park Arts and Music Festival, which will feature live music, food, and arts and crafts. Electricity still needs to be installed, and some landscaping will be done at the site after the festival, she said. A metal roof was always planned for the pavilion to complement its timber-frame....