A local reporter went to the front lines of Ukraine for two weeks in December 2022, a trip that changed his perspective on journalism forever. Born and raised in Chicago to a Ukrainian mother, journalist Cory Vaillancourt originally wanted to become a lawyer. However, after working as a field organizer for Al Gore’s 2000 presidential […]
Archives for March 2026
JCPS revises construction projects after costs exceed budgets
March 15, 2026 by
Version of the story was published in The Sylva Herald, March 12 edition After learning that projected construction costs are nearly double the amount allocated, the Jackson County Board of Education is reassessing its planned construction projects and prioritizing essential student needs. At its monthly meeting on Feb. 24 the board discussed these updated projects […]
Western Carolina advances to SoCon semifinals with win over Mercer
March 13, 2026 by
Western Carolina continued their winning streak in the team’s first Southern Conference tournament match-up on March 7. The 5th-seeded Catamounts faced the 4th-seeded Mercer Bears and ultimately came out on top after a thrilling game that ended in a 77-73 victory. The Cats came out of the gate cold with Mercer dominating the first 7 […]
Whee Life: WCU on a spring break
March 13, 2026 by
While most of the students are out on a break not all are gone. There are limited food and transportation services on WCU campus. Hunter Library is also working with reduced hours. Group of students with faculty and staff are taking alternative spring break assisting veterans in Asheville fix the property they bought after Helene […]
SCC looking to expand out Webster Road
March 12, 2026 by
Story was originally published in the Sylva Herald, March 12 edition The Webster town board met last week and heard a presentation from Southwestern Community College President Don Tomas about rezoning 26.96 acres on Webster Road adjacent to SCC. Tomas hopes to expand the college with a new library. Tomas reported that two upcoming projects […]
Battle of the bots: WCU engineering students compete in robot showdown
March 12, 2026 by
The Society of Manufacturing Engineers at WCU has some end-of-midterm season fun with a competition between handmade robots. The SME president, Chloe Stewart, says the robot showdown creates not only a learning opportunity for students but also allows them to be creative within their engineering discipline. “The Society of Manufacturing Engineers is an organization where […]
