It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Sylva, NC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I am a current client of this provider I like the caregiver they give us. They always”
“I am a current client of this provider I'd like to see the communication improved. The”
“such a good environment everyone’s so kind so easy and welcoming !!”
“I am a current client of this provider They need to be better at communication and”
“Lindsay was the most helpful and professional individual I have ever worked with. Highly recommended!!”
“I can’t say enough wonderful things about Lindsay at Always Best Care. She is kind,”
“I am a current client of this provider I didn't like different caregivers coming all the”
“I am a current client of this provider I like that they are responsive when I”
“I am a current client of this provider I like that the agency is responsive. I am”
“Lindsay was amazing to work with. She made the whole process so much easier. She”
“Hiring process is amazingly easy, absolutely friendly environment, they care about what your needs are.”
“I am a current client of this provider I like that they are showing up. We set”
“I am a current client of this provider I had a caregiver come to my home,”
“I am a current client of this provider Maybe the selection of employees could be improved;”
“I am a current client of this provider They are very reliable. They provide transportation. They help”
“I am a current client of this provider I like that they are easy to work”
“I am a current client of this provider I like that they are always on time. They”
“I am a current client of this provider They help with the needs that we have. It”
“I am a current client of this provider I like my caregiver. They've made my experience positive”
“I am a current client of this provider I feel comfortable with them so far. I don't”
“ABC has provided care for my client for 5-6 years. They have been great! Melisa”
“Always Best Care for Seniors has served my clients well based on feedback received. They”
“I am a current client of this provider Belinda has done everything I have asked and”
“I am a current client of this provider They are courteous, polite, kind and hard-working. It helps”
“I am a current client of this provider I liked the intake interview lady. Mary, the”
“I am a current client of this provider I like the caregiver they give us. They always come out once a while to make sure everything is okay.”
“I am a current client of this provider I'd like to see the communication improved. The people they have sent have been pretty good. They make it positive by taking care of my daily needs.”
“such a good environment everyone’s so kind so easy and welcoming !!”
“I am a current client of this provider They need to be better at communication and scheduling. The caregiver is amazing; the issue is with the office staff having high turnover and not being reliable. The caregiver has helped the most by giving my dad transportation to go to places like the grocery store, and she offers companionship.”
“Lindsay was the most helpful and professional individual I have ever worked with. Highly recommended!!”
“I can’t say enough wonderful things about Lindsay at Always Best Care. She is kind, compassionate, and truly goes above and beyond to make sure her clients feel comfortable, respected, and well cared for. Her professionalism, patience, and genuine concern for others really stand out. Knowing someone like Lindsay is there gives families real peace of mind.”
“I am a current client of this provider I didn't like different caregivers coming all the time, but we just have one now, and that's good. The days that the caregiver comes are good for us.”
“I am a current client of this provider I like that they are responsive when I have questions or concerns. I like having one caregiver. I don't know what they could improve on.”
“I am a current client of this provider I like that the agency is responsive. I am out and about, and I don't have to be with the client.”
“Lindsay was amazing to work with. She made the whole process so much easier. She went above and beyond to help us.”
“Hiring process is amazingly easy, absolutely friendly environment, they care about what your needs are. Orientation was quick and painless which is always a PLUS in my book! 10/10 recommend if you are looking for that 1st step into the healthcare field without all the extra certifications and such!”
“I am a current client of this provider I like that they are showing up. We set up a plan of care, and the plan has been executed very nicely.”
“I am a current client of this provider I had a caregiver come to my home, whom I liked very much, and they took her away. Since then, I have had a bunch of different ones come in, but I need one like that caregiver I liked. They do things for me that I can't do for myself anymore.”
“I am a current client of this provider Maybe the selection of employees could be improved; I don't know for sure. Explain to them that you don't need a cell phone at work. I appreciate them letting me stay in touch with them or them staying in touch with me.”
“I am a current client of this provider They are very reliable. They provide transportation. They help with anything she needs, depending on the day.”
“I am a current client of this provider I like that they are easy to work with and they are good. They have been great with dealing with her.”
“I am a current client of this provider I like that they are always on time. They have helped me the most with light housekeeping.”
“I am a current client of this provider They help with the needs that we have. It gives me time to go to the grocery store.”
“I am a current client of this provider I like my caregiver. They've made my experience positive by sending me Barbara.”
“I am a current client of this provider I feel comfortable with them so far. I don't have any problems getting things done when the caregivers show up.”
“ABC has provided care for my client for 5-6 years. They have been great! Melisa and Autumn have given extra effort and care to assist with managing my client's needs. I don't know how I would have made it without them.”
“Always Best Care for Seniors has served my clients well based on feedback received. They take the time to assess the needs of caregivers and care recipients alike and establish a detailed person-centered plan of care that addresses the care needs and wellbeing of the care recipient. This approach builds rapport and confidence with the caregiver and emphasizes respite for the caregiver while meeting the care recipients’ needs.”
“I am a current client of this provider Belinda has done everything I have asked and more. Belinda has gone above the call of duty.”
“I am a current client of this provider They are courteous, polite, kind and hard-working. It helps keep him interactive with people.”
“I am a current client of this provider I liked the intake interview lady. Mary, the nurse, is very encouraging. Their presence is helpful because I can't be there.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Sylva, NC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Sylva, NC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Sylva, NC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
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Journeys School for the Gifted and Talented lasted 371 days and closes Friday, Oct.30 for unknown reasons. Parents were sent an email Saturday informing them they had less than a week’s notice to find new programs for their kids.JSGT was the brainchild of educator and consultant Brianne Hudak, who transformed the former Smoky Mountain Fitness Center at 414 Skyland Drive into a learning environment tailored to the needs of high-ability children with a mission to “provide exceptional education to exceptional students.”...
Journeys School for the Gifted and Talented lasted 371 days and closes Friday, Oct.30 for unknown reasons. Parents were sent an email Saturday informing them they had less than a week’s notice to find new programs for their kids.
JSGT was the brainchild of educator and consultant Brianne Hudak, who transformed the former Smoky Mountain Fitness Center at 414 Skyland Drive into a learning environment tailored to the needs of high-ability children with a mission to “provide exceptional education to exceptional students.”
“This school is designed for children who think outside the box,” Hudak said in an April 2025 interview with The Sylva Herald. “The goal of Journeys is to support gifted and talented kids – those who are advanced learners and can absorb information quickly. These students need a different approach in schools, with more flexibility and nurturing.”
The school celebrated its opening with the Chamber of Commerce on Aug. 8, 2025 and welcomed its first students on Aug. 25, 2025.
Parents received a notice the morning of Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026 that the school would close on Friday, Oct. 30.
As of Monday morning, the school’s website was down. A Google search returns a “404 error page: The requested URL was not found on this server. That’s all we know.” Its Facebook page is unreachable. Hudak’s website about her consulting business (www.helpmehudak.com/) is still alive on the web, but her Linkedin page is gone.
No explanation offered
The emailed notice of the closure, signed by Hudak, reads:
“With deep sadness, I am writing to inform you that Journeys School for the Gifted and Talented will cease school operations for the remainder of the 2026–2027 school year. The final day of instruction will be October 30, 2026. This decision follows careful consideration of unexpected changes in the school’s operations brought to our attention yesterday afternoon and the financial implications resulting from these changes. Based on these circumstances, we have reached the conclusion that we are unable to continue.
“Families will receive individual communication regarding their tuition accounts and any applicable adjustments. Furthermore, any scheduled automatic drafts will be canceled before the end of October. To request learner records for transfer to a receiving school, please contact the front desk at [email protected].
“I recognize the difficulty this transition creates for all our learners and families. Pathfinders can be proud of their growth and achievements at Journeys, and I am forever grateful for the opportunity to have been part of their extraordinary learning journeys.”
Parents scramble
The sudden closing announcement left families scrambling, said Barkers Creek resident and JSGT parent Alissa Sutfin, whose son, Jaxon, attended as a student in the Green Room, comprised primarily of third, fourth and fifth-graders, she said.
“My son’s at that age that he wants to go to school, he wants to be with his friends and he is having a hard time with it,” Sutfin said. “All of us parents are just kind of left out in the dark. We’re trying to figure out how to find childcare, and where they are going to go to school.”
Parents had no inkling the school was on the brink of closing, Sutfin said.
“Nobody had any idea it was happening,” she said. “We had a fall dance on Friday and they canceled that and the only thing we got was the email and they didn’t go into any details as to why. We paid a lot of money to go to that school.”
Sutfin is looking for a similar school and will homeschool Jaxon until she finds a new school for him, she said.
‘Thriving’
Former Sylva town board member Natalie Newman voted to approve the school while she was serving in 2024. Her daughter, Kennedy, attended kindergarten at Journeys.
For her, the news of Journeys closing was part shock, part sadness.
“My kid was thriving at Journeys,” Newman said. “She was coming out of her shell, she was talking more and interested in doing more things. She was getting language classes at a young age and cooking classes, health and wellness and hands-on instruction and one-on-one attention. They took them to see shows at Bardo at Western Carolina. Just in two months the amount of enrichment and care that my child got ... I’m really sad we’re losing that resource.”
Newman lives in the Fairview Elementary School district and will send her kids there. While she attended public schools and has nothing against them, she has reservations.
“We don’t have the system or infrastructure to give our kids the education they deserve,” she said. “If we can’t even invest in a middle school and give up a little extra money to have a middle school, I question the commitment of our county to Jackson County Public Schools. We need a middle school in this community.”
Hudak response
The Sylva Herald wrote two long, positive articles about Journeys before it opened and published a Chamber of Commerce release about it.
In response to a Sylva Herald email asking for further information, Hudak sent the following:
“It is unfortunate that you have taken a renewed interest in Journeys School for the Gifted and Talented only upon learning of its closing. Throughout the school’s operations, opportunities existed to highlight an innovative educational model, the meaningful work being done for gifted learners, and my efforts to expand educational opportunities in Western North Carolina. Those opportunities have been overlooked. The sudden interest in our closing following the absence of interest in our development and contribution speaks for itself; I have no interest in contributing to a sensationalized narrative that prioritizes controversy over meaningful journalism.
“Should your publication proceed with a story, we expect factual accuracy, appropriate verification, and responsible reporting. Any materially false or defamatory statements will be addressed through our legal counsel as appropriate.
“I have no further comment.”
JCPS has open arms
Jackson County Public Schools will take Journeys’ students.
“It is extremely disappointing for families to start the school year and have no choice in completing the year at a school they chose,” School Superintendent Dana Ayers said. “As always, JCPS welcomes students to enroll in their home district.”
Though designed for gifted learners, Journeys did not require IQ testing for admission. The admissions process included a tour, interview and a “Journeys Meeting Day” to ensure alignment with the school’s philosophy.
North BuncombeBlack Hawks4-67:00pm ESTSmoky MountainMustangs8-2North Buncombe Varsity Football @ Smoky MountainGame InfoThe North Buncombe varsity football team has an away playoff game @ Smoky Mountain (Sylva, NC) on Friday, November 6 @ 7p.ScorekeeperMatchupRosterGame DetailsNorth Buncombe (Weaverville) Team Videos3:283:28Team ComparisonNorth Buncombe (Weaverville)275.0Rushing Yards/GSmoky Mountain (Sylva)308.8...
North BuncombeBlack Hawks4-6
7:00pm EST
Smoky MountainMustangs8-2
Game Info
The North Buncombe varsity football team has an away playoff game @ Smoky Mountain (Sylva, NC) on Friday, November 6 @ 7p.
MatchupRoster
Game Details
North Buncombe (Weaverville) Team Videos
3:28
3:28
Team Comparison
North Buncombe (Weaverville)275.0
Rushing Yards/G
Smoky Mountain (Sylva)308.8
North Buncombe (Weaverville)108.4
Passing Yards/G
Smoky Mountain (Sylva)70.1
North Buncombe (Weaverville)108.3
Receiving Yards/G
Smoky Mountain (Sylva)66.9
North Buncombe (Weaverville)383.4
Total Yards/G
Smoky Mountain (Sylva)378.9
North Buncombe (Weaverville)46.0
Tackles/G
Smoky Mountain (Sylva)70.9
North Buncombe (Weaverville)1.0
Sacks/G
Smoky Mountain (Sylva)-
North Buncombe (Weaverville)0.7
Points/G
Smoky Mountain (Sylva)44.5
Key Players
Avg. Per Game
Kyngston Denson
#6RB/LB
Rushing Yards
139.3177.9
Rylee Smith
#8RB/LB
Lucas Keever
#15QB/DB
Passing Yards
108.470.1
Jaxon Cooper
#6QB/LB
Elias Otis
#7WR/DB
Receiving Yards
71.541.3
Sawyer Gribble
#3WR/DB
Lucas Keever
#15QB/DB
Total Yards
177.1177.9
Rylee Smith
#8RB/LB
Liam Curtis
#22RB/LB
Tackles
8.78.0
Josiah Ashe
#5TE/LB
Liam Curtis
#22RB/LB
Sacks
0.4--
Not Enough Data
Noah Hinch
#30K
Points
0.918.2
Rylee Smith
#8RB/LB
Scoring Averages
| Final | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | OT1 | OT2 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Buncombe | 35.0 | 8.0 | 10.9 | 4.9 | 10.3 | 8.0 | 0.0 |
| Smoky Mountain | 42.1 | 12.7 | 12.8 | 9.3 | 9.0 | -- | -- |
Rankings
North Carolina
#276
#103
North Carolina Division 5A
#43
#16
Greenville
--
#23
Season Recap
Overall Record
4-6
8-2
Conference
0-5
5-2
Non-Conference
4-1
3-0
Head to Head
0-0
0-0
Home
1-4
4-1
Away
3-2
4-1
Neutral
0-0
0-0
Common Opponent
1-0
1-0
Playoff
0-0
0-0
In-State
4-6
8-2
Out-of-State
0-0
0-0
Win %
.400
.800
Conference %
.000
.714
PF
350
421
PA
402
134
Common Opponents
Brevard
1-0
1-0
SYLVA, N.C. (WLOS) — After years of delays, the long-awaited Highway 107 project is seeing some progress as crews begin taking steps towards completing phase one.As previously reported, in December 2025, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) awarded a $103 million contract to Buchanan & Sons of Whittier, with work slated to begin in April.The long-awaited project was originally slated to begin in 2023, but was delayed by hurricanes, storms and COVID-19. Now, work has officially started on phas...
SYLVA, N.C. (WLOS) — After years of delays, the long-awaited Highway 107 project is seeing some progress as crews begin taking steps towards completing phase one.
As previously reported, in December 2025, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) awarded a $103 million contract to Buchanan & Sons of Whittier, with work slated to begin in April.
The long-awaited project was originally slated to begin in 2023, but was delayed by hurricanes, storms and COVID-19. Now, work has officially started on phase one of the project.
"Pretty much what you're seeing right now is we're doing overhead utility location, which, that's mostly your power, your comms, any of those things that are hanging on power poles," said Kenny McCourt, resident engineer in District 2 of Division 14 for the NCDOT.
The work is not only taking place above ground but also below as crews relocate water and sewer lines out of the project's way.
"That's kind of the first place we're going to be going, cause there's a big culvert extension that's gonna be going, starting at the Lowe's heading back up toward the intersection at Walmart," McCourt said.
McCourt says that after the lines are replaced, the widening of the road will start from Mill Street to Lovedale Road, along with a short stretch of U.S. 23 Business where it meets 107.
As part of the road widening, McCourt says the NCDOT will put a temporary sidewalk on the east side of the road to shift pedestrian traffic.
"So we're gonna be heading out, and it's going to be redoing the drainage system, sidewalks, and we're gonna be incorporating some new pedestrian and bicycle lanes through that area to where we can do our widening down the right side," McCourt said.
In 2028, McCourt says residents will see work begin on the left side of the road, keeping one lane in each direction open at all times to allow access to businesses, while also keeping construction at night to reduce impacts to travel and local businesses.
"Ultimately, that third year you're gonna see us come right down the center of it, and that's when you're gonna start seeing the new islands," McCourt said.
The NCDOT says it's doing what it can to keep the project out of traffic's way.
"A lot of the widening we can actually do outside of traffic. I know that's been one of the biggest questions right now is, 'How are you building this and haven't been in the road?' and it's just the times that you're seeing us in the road right now is all gonna be your overhead utilities for the most part this first year, and that's just because Duke has to put in these lines during the daytime," McCourt said.
Duke Energy is already cutting holes in front of Smoky Mountain High School to put up new power line poles. McCourt says the site in front of Smoky Mountain High School is where some of the proposed wall sites are.
"Once we get done, that bank will actually get shaved back cause there's 22 walls on this project that are gonna get constructed sporadically through the project," McCourt said.
McCourt says, including the road work, the bridge near Jackson Paper Manufacturing will be rebuilt, and the bridge near the Coffee Shop and Innovation Brewing will get repaired.
"We're gonna be doing some stuff on this project that we've never really done before," McCourt said. "As building these wet utilities [water and sewer] and gas lines and anything incorporated underground to actually build a complete set of plans to where in the future we can actually use some 3D modeling to be able to find conflicts in proposed new plans," McCourt said.
McCourt also said the NCDOT is working with a drone program on the project to fly it eight times to create a visual where residents can see the construction overlaid in areas where it's proposed to be.
As phase one begins, residents say they're happy to see the project move forward.
"So excited for that and eager for whatever businesses have been so displaced by this to be reinvited to figure out how they're going to make it in Sylva and make the place a little more beautiful than it's been in the last what five years or so," said Terry Partain, a Sylva resident.
The NCDOT says the project is on track to be completed in 2031.
828-676-2939
