Archives for March 2025

WheeLife: News magazine from WCJ and WWCU student run-radio station

Welcome to WheeLife, the radio news magazine for Cullowhee, Jackson County and the region.This is the first show and is a collaboration between the Western Carolina Journalist and 95.3 WWCU. You will hear us every Friday at 4 p.m. until the end of the semester. Tune in to hear news from your local area each […]

That’s Politics: Unaffiliated Voters and Polarization

The largest voting block in North Carolina are the unaffiliated voters. They are one of the reasons why political science professor and expert on the North Carolina politics, Dr. Chris Cooper, says NC is a purple state even though in has been almost fully controlled by the Republican party. Listen to what Cooper says about […]

Cherokee Language Program expands with grant

Story originally published at The Western Carolinian. Last fall, WCU’s Cherokee Language Program received a significant grant from Cherokee Preservation Foundation, a local nonprofit that supports Cherokee language preservation efforts.  The $223,014 grant, among other support from WCU and outside organizations, has allowed the program to develop into an official minor and certification program.  “We’ve […]

The Sylva Herald: Update on opioid settlement dispersal

Story re-published with permission from The Sylva Herald by Beth Lawrence Residents were given a look at efforts to utilize Jackson County’s portion of opioid settlements between states and opioid manufacturers and distributors. At the County Commissioners’ March 4 work session, two members of the recently formed Local Settlement Council – Jackson County Department of […]

Kitchens Branch Fire in Sylva

The fire that started yesterday afternoon in Sylva in the Montieith and Kitchens Branch community is still going but contained. Jackson County Emergency Management Facebook update says that as of of 10 a.m., the Kitchens Branch Fire is 94 acres and the fire is 60% contained. Firefighters from state, federal, county and the town are […]

Forest Hills donut hole development to be adjusted

Story originally published in The Sylva Herald, March 27 edition. The planning board of the Village of Forest Hills met Tuesday, March 25, to discuss zoning ordinances, land use codes and development processes concerning the construction proposal presented by Brown Haven Homes to build new homes in the donut hole, a former golf course essentially […]